INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS. 
VOLUME II. Number 12 



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SLAVERY PETITIONS 



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PAPERS 



JACOB PIATT DUNN. 



^^""TJiANAPOLIS : 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS lERRILL COMPANY. 

1894. 



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SLAVERY PETITIONS 



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INDIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY PUBLICATIONS. 3 d f 

VOLUME II. NUMBER 12 



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PAPERS 




JACOB PIATT DUNN. 



INDIANAPOLIS: 

THE BOWEN-MERRILL COMPANY. 

1894. 



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INTRODUCTORY. 



The following papers are the petitions to Congress from 
Northwest and Indiana Territories for the suspension of the 
sixth article of compact of the Ordinance of 1787, and the 
admission of slavery to the Territory, together with the 
counter petitions, the reports on them, and the accompany- 
ing documents. There is one — the Dearborn county pe- 
tition of 1808 — which appears to be wholly lost, though 
possibly it may yet be found in printed form, and there is 
probably one petition from Randolph and St. Clair coun- 
ties missing, though this is not certain. In addition to these 
I have included the report of General W. Johnston to the 
Indiana Legislature in 1808, against the modification of the 
sixth article, and the opinion of John Johnson in Polly's 
case. These are the principal documents concerning 
slavery in Indiana, and most of them are hitherto unpub- 
lished, or have practically disappeared in their published 
form. 

The object of this publication is simply to gather and 
preserve them. The consideration of their origin, their 
significance and their results forms the greater part of my 
"Indiana" in the American Commonwealth Series, to 
which are referred those who may be interested in the 
subject. 

J. P. DUNN. 

Indiana-poUs ^ February 8, iSg-f.. 



(3) 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS 



THE PETITION OF 1796. 

(Am. State Papers. Public Lands, Vol. I, p. 6i.) 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress assembled, the humble petition of the inhabitants 
of the counties of St. Clair and Randolph, in the Illinois country, 
respectfully shoiveth : 

That the sixth article of compact contained in the ordi- 
nance of Congress' of 1787, for the government of the 
Territory Northwest of the Ohio, which declares "That 
there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in 
the said Territory, otherwise than in the' punishment of 
crimes," is, as your petitioners humbly conceive, not only 
contrary to the promise and assurances made them, on 
behalf of the State of Virginia, by the then Colonel, after- 
wards Brigadier-General George Rogers Clark, on his 
taking possession of this country in the name of the said 
State, whose troops he then commanded, but also contrary 
to an express fundamental principle in all free countries, 
'• that no ex -post facto laws should ever be made." 

Your petitioners then were, and now are, possessed of a 
number of slaves, which the article above recited seems to 
deprive them of, (perhaps inadvertently,) without their con- 
sent or concurrence. It may be said, as it is the better 
opinion, that all such as were slaves at the date of that 
ordinance are to continue so during their lives ; but then 
it is also said that the issue of such slaves, born after that 

(5) 



6 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERIS. 

period, are absolutely free. Your petitioners, however, 
humbly contend that such after-born issue are as much 
slaves as those born before, because the owners of their 
parents have and, as your petitioners humbly conceive, 
always had as fixed and incontrovertible a right to, and 
interest in, the future issue and increase of such slaves as 
they have to the slaves themselves. That, notwithstand- 
ing the articles in the said ordinance are said to be "Arti- 
cles of compact between the original States and the peo- 
ple and States of the said Territory," it is, however, a truth 
that they were made ex farte by the original States only ; 
for sure your petitioners are that, if the people then in the 
Territory had been called upon to make such compact, 
they never would have consented to enter into one that 
would deprive them of their most valuable property. 

Your petitioners humbly hope they will not be thought 
presumptuous in venturing to disapprove of the article con- 
cerning slavery m toto, as contrary not only to the interest, 
but almost to the existence of the country they inhabit, 
where laborers can not b'e procured to assist in cultivating 
the grounds under one dollar per day, exclusive of wash- 
ing, lodging and boarding ; and where every kind of trades- 
men are paid from a dollar and a half to two dollars per 
day ; neither is there, at these exorbitant prices, a suffi- 
ciency of hands to be got for the exigencies of the inhab- 
itants, who, attached to their native soil, have rather chose 
to encounter these and many other difficulties than, by 
avoiding them, remove to the Spanish dominions, where 
slaverv is permitted, and consequently, the price of labor 
much lower. 

Your petitioners do not wish to increase the number of 
slaves already in the dominions of the United States ; all 
they hope for or desire is, that they may be permitted to 
introduce from any of the United States such persons, 
and such only, as by the laws of such States are slaves 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 7 

therein. This request, your petitioners humbly hope, will 
not be objected to as unreasonable, even by the greatest 
opposers to slavery, seeing they do not pray for the intro- 
duction of any foreign slaves into the Territory. 

It is laid down by Blackstone, in his Commentaries, Vol. 
I., pages 424, 425 : "That a slave or negro, the moment 
he lands in England, becomes a freeman, that is, the law 
will protect him in the enjoyment of his person and prop- 
erty. Yet, with regard to any right which the master may 
have acquired to the perpetual service of John or Thomas, 
this will remain exactly in the same state as before ; for 
this is no more than the same state of subjection for life, 
which every apprentice submits to for the space of seven 
years, and sometimes for a longer term. And whatsoever 
service a negro owed to his American master, the same is 
he bound to render when brought to England." It may 
then be clearly deduced from the above authority, that any 
person purchasing, or otherwise acquiring a slave in any 
of the States, is entitled to his perpetual service in this 
Territory as a servant ; but, as a diversity may happen in 
the opinions of different judges, your petitioners, therefore, 
humbly desire and request, should it, in the wisdom of 
Congress, be thought unadvisable to repeal the article 
concerning slavery m toio, that a law may be passed de- 
claratory of the above maxim laid down b}- Blackstone, 
but under such regulations as may be thought necessary ; 
and that, in such case, it may be thereby declared how 
far, and for what period of time, the masters of servants 
are to be entitled to the service of the children of parents 
born during such servitude, as an indemnity for the ex- 
pense of bringing them up in their infancy. 

This mode, it is humbly conceived, will obviate any ob- 
jections that may be made to the continuation or introduc- 
tion of slavery into the Territory, even by its most strenu- 
ous opposers ; will undoubtedly ameliorate the condition 



8 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

of those who, being slaves in the United States, may be 
so fortunate as to be brought into the Territory as servants 
for life ; and will be the means, perhaps, in a great de- 
gree, of attaining that object so much wished for by some 
— "a gradual abolition of slavery." 

And your petitioners further beg leave to represent that 
the resolves of Congress, of 20th June and 29th August, 
1788, making a donation of four hundred acres of land to 
each of those who were heads of families in the Illinois 
country, in the year 1783, do, generally speaking, direct 
the same to be laid off on lands the private property of 
different inhabitants in the respective villages therein, who 
claim the same by virtue of grants made thereof, in fee, 
by the former Governments of the country ; and that, 
especially, every foot of land (Fort Chartres excepted) 
between the ridge of rocks and the River Mississippi, and 
between the mouth of the River Kaskaskia and the villages 
of Kaskaskia, Prairie du Rochers and St. Phillip's and 
for several miles upwards, is private property, the same 
having, as before mentioned, been granted and conceded 
in fee by authority of the French Government, and now 
owned and occupied by divers private individuals. And 
they beg leave also to observe that the lands on the face 
of the said ridge of rocks, and for some distance in the 
rear are broken limestone lands, full of sink-holes, with, 
in general, but a very thin soil, and in many places none 
at all, the rocks appearing on the surface, so that they are 
not of any present value or utility ; that there is, however 
a body of good farming lands on the Kaskaskia River, a 
few miles above the village of that name, at a place called 
"the Long Prairie," where they would wish to lay their 
donation lands on ; and, as it was the humane intention of 
the then Congress to give such of your petitioners as are 
entitled thereto such lands as would prove a resource to 
them whenever the Indian trade should be exhausted, and 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 9 

which is now in a manner entirely decayed, they can not 
but hope that they will be permitted to lay the same at 
that place, the Indian titles to which, they are credibly in- 
formed, are extinguished. This method of laying off the 
donation lands in one compact body will, they humbly 
submit, be more beneficial to the United States than lay- 
ing them off according to the last law, in four different 
bodies, for the four respective villages. 

And your petitions further show that, by a late law of 
the United States, it is ordained that the expense of sur- 
veying the lands belonging to the inhabitants of Vincennes 
should be defrayed by the public ; and as the same reasons 
which conduced to the making of that law maybe equally 
applied to the Illinois country, they have every reason to 
hope that no distinction will be made between the inhabi- 
tants of both places, and that, therefore, the beneficial 
effects thereof will be also extended to them. 

Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray that the sixth 
article of compact in the ordinance of 1787 may either be 
repealed or altered, so as to give permission to introduce 
slaves into the said Territory from any of the original 
States, or otherwise ; that a law may be made permitting 
the introduction of such slaves as servants for life, and 
that it may be enacted for what period the children of such 
servants shall serve the master of their parents. That the 
expense of surveying their lands may be paid by the 
United States ; that they may be permitted to lay their 
donation of four hundred acres of land at the said prairie, 
called the Long prairie, and running up the River Kaskas- 
kia. in such form as may be directed by law for quantity ; 
and that they may have such further and other relief in the 
premises as to the justice and wisdom of the United States 
may seem meet. And your petitioners, as in duty bound, 
shall ever pray, etc. 



lO SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

For and on behalf of the inhabitants of the said coun- 
ties of St. Clair and Randolph. 

John Edgar. 

Wm. Morrison. 
Wm. St. Clair. 
John Dumoulin. 
ICaskash'a, 'Jaiiuary 12, 17^6. 



Report on the Preceding Petition. 

(Am. State Papers. Public Lands, Vol. I, p. 60.) 
4th Congress. ist Session. 

The Exchange of Certain Donations of Land in the 
Northwestern Territory. 
Co}nmu?iicated to the House of Representatives, May 12, 1796. 

Mr. Coit, from the committee to which was referred the 
petition of John Edgar and others, in behalf of the inhab- 
itants of the counties of St. Clair and Randolph, in the 
Illinois country, made the following report: 

That the petitioners pray for some alteration or modifi- 
cation of that part of the ordinance of Congress, passed 
on the 13th day of July, 1787, for the government of the 
Territory of the United States northwest of the River Ohio ; 
which declares it as one of the "articles of compact be- 
tween the original States and the people and States in the 
said Territory, and forever to remain unalterable, unless 
by common consent; that there shall be neither slavery 
nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory." 

The petitioners being only four in number, and produc- 
ing no power by which they claim to petition, even in be- 
half of the inhabitants of the said counties ; and no evi- 
dence appearing of the wishes of the rest of the inhabitants 
of the said counties ; and your committee having informa- 
tion that an alteration of the ordinance, in the manner 
prayed for by the petitioners, would be disagreeable to 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. j i 

many of the inhabitants of the said Territory : they have 
conceived it needless to enter into any consideration of the 
poHcy of the measure, being persuaded that, if it could be 
admissible, under any circumstances, a partial application, 
like the present, could not be listened to ; they are, there- 
fore, of opinion that this part of the prayer of the petition 
ought not to be granted. 

The petitioners further state that, by a resolve of Con- 
gress, passed on the 20th day of June, 1778, provision was 
made for laving off certain lands to the heads of families 
residing in the Illinois country ; and that a great part, if 
not the whole, of the locations where the said lands were 
ordered to be laid out is covered by titles acquired under 
the ancient Government of the country ; and that part of 
the said locations is rocky and of little value : wherefore, 
they pray that the said lands may be ordered to be laid 
out in a different place, and at the public expense. 

The committee find that, by the said resolve, the Gov- 
ernor of the Territory of the United States, Northwest of 
the River Ohio was authorized and directed to lay out, as 
a donation to each of the families residing in the several 
villages of Kaskaskia, Kahokia, La Prairie du Rochers, 
Fort Chartres, and St. Philip's, four hundred acres of land, 
in three parallelograms, adjoining to the villages of Kas- 
kaskia, La Prairie, du Rochers, and Kahokia, and be- 
tween the River Mississippi and a ledge of rocks which 
runs from the Kaskaskia to the River Illinois, at the public 
expense. That, by an act of Congress, passed on the 3d 
of March, 1791, the said Governor was authorized and di- 
rected to confirm all lands which had been actually im- 
proved and cultivated, at Vincennes or in the Illinois 
country under a supposed grant of the same, by any com- 
mandant or court claiming authority to make such grant 
to the persons who have made such improvements, or such 
parts thereof, as he, in his discretion, might judge reason- 



12 SLANERY .PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

able, not exceeding, to any person, four hundred acres ; 
and the said Governor was further directed to lay out the 
said donation lands agreeably to the said resolve of the 
20th of June, 1788. 

The committee are not informed that any proceedings 
have been had under the resolve or act aforesaid, as rela- 
tive to the people living at Kaskaskia, La Prairie du 
Rochersy. Kahokia, Fort Chartres, or St. PhiHp's ; and are 
informed by the Governor of the Northwestern Territory 
that the locations pointed out in the said resolve for the 
said donation lands are nearly, if not entirely, covered by 
grants made under the ancient government of the country, 
or by irregular grants, which are confirmed by the act 
aforesaid. 

By the late Indian treaty, Post Vincennes, on the Wa- 
bash, and the lands adjacent, of which the Indian title has 
been extinguished, and the lands at all other places in the 
possession of the French people, and other white settlers 
among them, of which the Indian title had been extin- 
guished, are reserved to the United States ; whether the 
lands on which the petitioners pray to have their donations 
laid are included within these reservations does not ap- 
pear with certainty, although it is presumed they are not 
claimed by any Indian tribe. 

It not appearing how much of the lands, on which the said 
donations were originally directed to be laid, is not cov- 
ered by the said ancient grants, and it being probable 
that there does not remain uncovered by the said grants a 
sufficiency for satisfying the said donations, the public 
faith engaged to the people settled at those villages seems 
to require that some further provision should be made. 
The committee, therefore, submit the following resolu- 
tion : 

/Resolved, That the Governor of the Territory Northwest 
of the River Ohio be authorized and directed to cause to 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 13 

be laid out certain donation lands to the inhabitants of the 
villages of Kaskaskia, La Prairie du Rochers, Kahokia, 
Fort Chartres, and St. Philip's, in manner as directed by 
a resolve of Congress of the 20th of June, 178S, on any 
lands of equal value v^ith those in the location directed by 
the said resolve, in the vicinity of those villages, which are 
the property of the United States, and to which the Indian 
title has become extinct. 



PETITION OF OCTOBER 1, 1800. 

(Copy of Original Paper. Senate Files.) 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 
America in Congress Assembled, the humble petition of the inhabi- 
tants of the counties of Randolph and St. Clair, in the Indiana Terri- 
tory, respectfully shewcth: 

That your Petitioners and their forefathers, Inhabitants 
of the Illinois country prior to the ordinance for the gov- 
ernment of the territory of the United States north-west of 
the River Ohio, possessed a number of Slaves, with whose 
assistance in the Cultivation of the Earth, together with the 
Indian Trade, which was then considerable, they lived in 
affluence ; that those slaves were held under the laws of 
French and English Government, and also under the laws 
of the State of Virginia during the time this Country was 
esteemed a part of that State ; that on the arrival of Gov- 
ernor St. Clair, in the year one thousand seven hundred 
and ninety, your Petitioners were surprised and grieved to 
find, from the first official Information given them, that an 
Ordinance had been made by Congress for their Govern- 
ment which, in effect, tended to deprive them of their most 
valuable property, and which in its Consequence, as was 
then easily foreseen, has reduced them to the most abject 
state of Poverty and distress, the most wealthy of the In- 



14 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

habitants having immediately removed with their families 
and Effects into the Spanish Dominions ; that the Emigra- 
tion from sundry parts of the United States into the Span- 
ish Province of Louisiana is immense, much more so than 
is generally thought, and among them numbers of wealthy, 
reputable and industrious persons, all, or the most part of 
whom, but for the absolute prohibition of Slavery or Servi- 
tude, would settle in this Territory. 

Although your Petitioners are opposed to an uncondi- 
tional state of Slavery, and venerate the philanthrop}' 
which caused the prohibition of it and of involuntar}^ 
Servitude in the Ordinance for the Government of the Ter- 
ritory, yet they can not but entertain the hope that a mode 
adapted as well to ameliorate the Condition of the unfortu- 
nate people concerned as to establish a gradual abolition 
of Slavery will meet with your approbation. 

The mode your Petitioners wish and pray you to adopt 
is to permit of the Introduction into the Territory of any of 
those who are Slaves in any of the United States who, 
when admitted, shall continue in a state of Servitude dur- 
ing their natural lives, but that all their children born in 
the Territory shall serve the males untill thirty-one and the 
females untill twent3'-eight, at which time they are to be 
absolutely free. To the adoption of such a modification 
of Slavery your Petitioners can not conceive any well 
founded objections will be made. It can not but meet 
with the support of those who are friends to the gradual 
abolition of Slavery, and your Petitioners can not entertain 
the Idea that any will be found to oppose a measure which 
in the course of a ver\' few years will, in all human proba- 
bility, rescue from the vilest state of Bondage a number, 
and without doubt a considerable number, of Souls 3'et un- 
born. Your Petitioners do not wish to increase the num- 
ber of Slaves in the United States by the introduction of 
any from foreign Dominions. Their wishes, on the con 



SLA VER Y PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 1 5 

trary, tend considerably to diminish the number by eman- 
cipating those who, whether born in the United States 
where their parents reside or removed into the Spanish 
Dominions, would otherwise be born Slaves. 

And your Petitioners further shew that they experience 
all the Inconvenience arising, as well from a want ot a suffi- 
ciency of Lands open to a settlement to admit of a popula- 
tion adequate to the support of ordinary County Establish- 
ments as from the want of publick roads and houses of 
Entertainment to the seat of Government. 

That without the beneficent interposition of the United 
States in extinguishing the Indian Titles, if any exist, to 
the lands in their neighborhood, and in granting certain 
tracts of lands between the Illinois and Vincennes at the 
distances of a day's Journey each from the other to those 
who would open roads between those places and keep 
houses of Entertainment thereon, they must continue to 
endure those Inconveniences which become daily more felt 
from the increase of Business and intercourse between the 
seat of Government and this Country. 

Your Petitioners beg leave to observe that the Kaskaskia 
Tribe of Indians, who alone can claim the Country in their 
neighborhood, do not exceed fifteen in number, and that 
their Title may be purchased on very easy and moderate 
terms. 

And, lastly, your Petitioners shew that for many years 
prior to the Treaty of Greenville they suffered innumerable 
acts of Cruelty from the Indians in their neighbourhood ; 
that they fondly hoped that Treaty would have secured 
them from a repetition of the former depredations. They 
have, however, sincerely to lament that their hopes have 
not been realized, but that as an extensive defenseless 
frontier they are daily exposed to their depredations, and 
will continue to be so unless protected by the Establishment 
of one or two Garrisons in the Country. 



l6 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

Altho, your Petitioners are not immediately repre- 
sented in tlie Congress of the United States, they have, 
nevertheless, from Experience, the Satisfaction to know 
that their Interest and Welfare are always attended to in 
your honourable Houses. 

They, therefore, humbly pray : 

1. That the sixth Article of Compact contained in the 
Ordinance for the Government of the Territory may be so 
modified as to admit of the Introduction of Slaves from any 
of the United States, to continue as such for their natural 
lives, but that the issue of such Slaves born in the Territory 
may be declared free — the males at 31 and the females at 
28 years. 

2. That the Indian Titles, if any exist, to the lands in their 
neighbourhood, viz. : From the rocking Cave on the Ohio, 
which is situated about forty miles above Fort Massac, 
thence in a northerly course untill it meets the Illinois river, 
thence down that river to its discharge into the Mississippi, 
thence down the Mississippi to the mouth of the Ohio, 
thence up the Ohio to the place of Beginning, may be ex- 
tinguished and then sold to Settlers. 

That tracts of land at the distance of a day's Journey 
from each other may be ceded to those who will undertake 
to open a Road between the Illinois and Vincennes, and 
keep houses of Entertainment thereon for five years at least 
to come for the accommodation of Travellers. 

And that one or two Garrisons may be established in the 
Country, or that such other mode may be adopted for the 
Relief and for the Encouragement of the Settlement of this 
frontier part of the union, as to you, in your Wisdom, shall 
seem meet. And your Petitioners as in duty bound shall 
ever Pray, etc. 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



17 



1st October, 1800. 
J no. Rice Jones, 
J. Edgar, 

Joseph McFerron, 
Robert Morrison, 
Js. Edgar, 
Jesse Morrison, 
Nathaniel Crapper, 
Thos. Crapper, 
Antoine P. An tire. 
Baptist Fortian, 
Jeremy Downey, 
Jean Adrian Lanaurd, 
Michel Paitque, 
Batite Lachapelle, 
Chariot Boutin, 
Batiste Chenbeurlend, 
Enris Bienvenues, 
Josephe Page, 
Michel Danij, 
John Kidd, 
Josefe Toutous, 
Allexe Bowie, 
Joseph Bovoiet, 
Joseph Navanel, 
Michel Danij, 
Robt. McMahon, 
David Barber, 
La Sonde, 
Jacques Boutitinte, 
Antoine Louviere fils, 
Etien Langlois, 
Baptiste Cotineau, 
Josephe Blay, 
Compte, 
Duclos, 
Andre Barbau, 
Baptiste Lajoye, 
Baptiste Perrin, 
Pierre Pana, 
R. Calhoun, 
John CrafFord, 
H. Biggs, 



William Morrison, 
Moses Oliver, 
James Morrison, 
Jean Guittarre, 
Diego Rodrigues, 
Leon Crapper, 
G. Hutte, 
Wm. King, 
Miles Hotchkiss, 
Joseph Kicket, 
Hipolite Menard, 
Antoine Lachapelle, 
Toussin Sinical, 
Louis Chenbeurlend 
Louis Chenbeurlend 
Jendron Perre, 
Baptiste Jendron, 
Dani, 

Antolnne Danij, 
Antoine Provo, 
Batiste Toiniche, 
Jerom Bowie, 
Cola Buaijte, 
John Spannart, 
Bte. Barbau, 
Ch. Louvin, 
Bois, 

Pierre Ahar, 
Tourgoie, 
Auguste Ahar, 
Pierre Compte, 
Nichola Olivier, 
D'amour Louviere, 
George Wittmer, 
Decochy, 
Domingue, 
Joseph Vasseur, 
Toiton, 

William Akerman, 
James McNabb, 
John Wheeldon, 
John Hay, 



Basil Lachapelle, 
Pier Perat, 
Leon Perat, 
Joseph Archanbot, 
Fransoit Toutous, 
Louis Lachapelle, 
Michel Toutous, 
Louis Morin, 
Louis i3uatte, 
Loui Francois, 
John Baptiste Moutrie, 
John Baptiste Moutrie, Jun'r, 
Francois Ruseau, 
Pierre Le Paneie, 
Anthony Moutrie, 
Charles Jandron, 
Josephe Jendron, 
Chatti Danij, 
Josefe Hieviere, 
Vitti Hieviere, 
Michel Hievieie, 
John Doyle, 
Alexis Bovoiet, 
Antoine BienvenuePere, 
Francois Camus, 
Louis Periaux, 
Antoine Cotineaux, 
Ren^ Coder, 
Baptiste Coder, 
Joseph Lavoir, 
Lionay, 

Jacques Degagniez, 
Pierre Degagnier, 
Ambrose Vasseur, 
Francois Langlois 
Pierre Lajoye, 
Charles Langlois, 
Joseph Coder, 
Tusente Baverelle, 
S. A. Boyles, 
William Goinges, 
Daniel Thorn, 



li 



SLAVEnr PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



Shadrach Bond, 
Denis \'alanten, 
Geo. Blair, 



George Atchison, 
James Cremour, 
B. Saucier, 



Js. Dumoulin, Perrev, 
his his 

P>ancois X Grondine, Jean X Meunier, 

mark. mark. 

James H. Tate, John Singleton, 

William Scott. Sen'r, Hendry Mall, 



Joseph Heris, 

John Whiteside, 

William Scott. Jiin'r, 

his 
Louis X LeBrun, 
mark, 
his 
Michette X Pitette, 

mark. 
Parat Siteng, 
Pierre Cheautien, 
Francois Charpage, 
T. Brady, 
Wm. Whiteside, 
Fr. Turgotte. 
Louis Pinsoneau, 
Louis Poisson, 
John Ritchie, Jun'r, 
George Atcheson, 
John Marney, 
Wm. Anderson, 
Samuel Stroud, 
Adam Stroud, 
Henry and John O'Hara, 
James Wilson, 
John Kinzic. 
Wm. Jonston, 
William Chalfin. 
James Dunn. 
Amos Chalfin. 
James Henderson, 
Abraham Kinney, 



Jacob Short, 

Abram Clark. 

David Waddell, 

John Caldwell, 

his 
Antoin X Veaudrv, 

mark. 
N. Biron, 
Arren Gettie, 
Pe Laperche, 
Therese Chouteau, 
Henry Hatten. 
Jean Dehai, 
Pierre Guerion, 
B. Dubuque, 
Alexander Waddell, 
Davies Waddell, 
Jesse Waddell, 
Jehu Scott, 
John Dimpsev, 
Patt Honeberry, 
Wm. Porter. 
George Roberts, 
William Robins, 
Daniel Star, 
John Nowlanti, 
George Ritcheson, 
Isaac Vannatre, 
Michel Ryan, 
Prince Bryant, 



John Haj-es, 
William Arundel, 
Robert Hamilton, 

his 
Louis X Le Compte, 

mark. 
Etn. Pinsono, 

Louis Petit, 
his 
Joseph X Poupard, Jun"r, 
mark. 
Joseph Poupard, Sen'r, 

his 
Nicolas X Boismeneu, 

mark. 
William Nichols, 

Baguine, 

Jean Louis St. Germain, 

Michel Beaulieu, 
Jean Beaulieu, 
Francois Chanalle, 
Michel Lagrave, 
Francois Deinet, 
Louis Dubois. 
N. Garrote, 
James Waddell. 
Samuel Kinkead, 
Jan Hendick Van der Poel- 
Henry Cook, 
Ichabod Badglcy. 
Aaron McDaniels, 
Solomon Tetcr, 
Solomon Shook, 
Robert Lemen, 
Daniel Sink, 
John Robins. 
CJeorge Vallantine, 
Cah'in Curry, 
'i'homas Todd. 
Daniel Mull. 
Clement Drury, 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



19 



W. Hull, 
William Drury, 
George Fisher, 
John Fisher, 
William Alexander, 
John Grooms, 
W. E. Morrison, 
Francis Le Meaud, 
Blaise Barutal, 
T. Newburg, 
Joseph Trotier, 
St. Aldieumet, 
Amos Pettit. 



William McGloghton, 
Robert Smith, 
William Dunn, 
William Kinney. 
Clement Drury, 
Parker Grosvenor, 
AUexy Doza, 
Louis Le Meaud, 
Robert McMahon, 
W. Willson, 
William Kelly, 
Abraham Kennev, 



(Address on back.) 
" To the Honorable, the Senate 
and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America." 

(Indorsement.) 
"The Petition of Inhabitants of 
Indiana Territory." 
January 23, iSoi. 



L. 6 Cong., 
2nd Sess. 



Raphel Drury, 
Henry Jones. 
Sam'l S. Spencer, 
Roger Selden, 
Ralph Drury, 
T. Morrison, 
Clodius Le Meaud, 
Michael Smith, 
Abraham Levin, 
David Palmier, 
James Anderson, 
Joseph Kenney. 



Note. — No report was made on this petition. It was laid on the table 
when presented, and no further action was taken. Annals 6th Congress, 
P- 73S- 



PETITION OF THE VINCENNES CONVENTION. 



(Copy of original paper. House Files.) 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in 
Congress assembled, the memorial and Petition of the Inhabitants of 
the Indiana Territory 7-espect fully She'vcth: 

That nine-tenths of 3^our memorialists being of opinion, 
that the sixth article of Compact contained in the ordi- 
nance for the Government of the Territory has been ex- 
tremely prejudicial to their Interest and welfare, requested 



20 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

the Governor by petitions from each of the several coun- 
ties to call a general convention of the Territory for the 
purpose of taking the sense of the whole People by their 
Representatives on a subject to them so interesting and of 
afterwards taking such measures as to them might seem 
meet by petition to your honorable Bodies not only for ob- 
taining the repeal or suspension of the said article of Com- 
pact but also for that of representing and Petitioning for 
the passage of such other Laws as would in the opinion 
of the Convention be conducive to the general welfare, 
population and happiness of this distant and unrepresented 
portion of the United States. 

This convention is now sitting at Vincennes and have 
agreed to make the following representations to the Con- 
gress of the United States, not in the least doubting but 
that everything they can desire (not prejudicial to the Con- 
stitution or to the Interest of the General Government) 
will readily be granted them. 

The Sixth article of Compact between the United States 
and the people of the Territory which declares that there 
shall be neither slaver}^ nor involuntary servitude in it has 
prevented the Country from populating and been the 
reason of driving many valuable Citizens possessing Slaves 
to the Spanish side of the Mississippi, most of whom but 
for the prohibition contained in the ordinance would have 
settled in this Territory, and the consequences of keeping 
that prohibition in force will be that of obliging the num- 
erous Class of Citizens disposed to emigrate, to seek an 
Asylum in that country where they can be permitted to 
enjoy their property. 

Your memorialists however and the people they rep- 
resent do not wish for a repeal of the article entirely, but 
that it may be suspended for the Term of Ten Years and 
then to be again in force, but that the slaves brought into 
the Territory during the Continuance of this Suspension 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 21 

and their progeny, may be considered and continued in 
the same state of Servitude, as if they had remained in 
those parts of the United States where Slavery is permitted 
and from whence they may have been removed. 

Your memoralists beg leave further to represent, That 
the quantity of lands in the Territory open for Settlement is 
by no means sufficiently large to admit of a population ade- 
quate to the purposes of Civil Government. They therefore 
pray that the Indian titles to the land lying between the 
settled part of the Illinois country and the Ohio, between 
the general Indian boundary line running from the mouth 
of the river Kentucky and the tract commonly called 
Clark's Grant and between and below the said Clark's 
Grant and the Ohio and Wabash Rivers, may be extin- 
guished ; and as an incouragement for a speedy popula- 
tion of the Country that those lands and all other public 
•lands in the Territory may be sold in Smaller Tracts and 
at a lower price than is now allowed by the existing 
Laws — A purchase of most of the Country above men- 
tioned but more especially of that part lying between the 
Illinois and the Ohio it is conceived may be easily ob- 
tained from the Indians and on very moderate and advan- 
tageous Terms. 

Several persons (as your memoralists are informed) 
having settled on the public lands in this Territory with 
the intention of purchasing the same when offered 
A. for sale by the United States are fearful that advan- 
tages may be taken of their Improvements to enhance 
the Price — Your Petitioners therefore pray. That a law 
may be passed for their relief, giving the right of Pre- 
emption to all those who ma}'^ have so settled on the pub- 
lic lands, and also as one of the more sure means of pop- 
ulating the Country as of enhancing the value of the 
United States lands remaining undisposed of in the Ter- 
ritory. They further pray, that provision may be made 



22 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

in the said Law for securing a certain part of every Sec- 
tion of Such pubhc land to those who will actually settle 
and cultivate the same. 

The United States having pledged themselves in the 
Ordinance that Schools and the means of Education 
should be forever encouraged, and having in all the Sales 
of land heretofore made, reserved considerable portions 
thereof for that purpose. 

Your memorialists, therefore, humbly pray that a law 
may be passed making a grant of lands for the support of 
Schools and Seminaries of learning to the several Settle- 
ments in the Illinois, the Settlement of Vincennes, and that 
of Clark's Grant, near the Rapids of the Ohio. 

The means of communication as well between the sev- 
eral Settled parts of the Territory as between the Territory 
and the State of Kentucky, being extremely difficult and 
inconvenient, as well for want of good Roads as for want 
of houses of Entertainment, and as neither of those objects 
can be obtained otherwise than by application to the United 
States who own or may own the lands through which the 
said Roads must pass. 

Your memorialists, therefore, further pray that a law 
may be enacted granting to such persons as the Governor 
of the Territory may recommend, Four hundred acres of 
land to each in such places as the said Governor may 
designate, not exceeding the distance of Twenty miles from 
each other, on the road leading from Clark county to Knox 
county, and from Vincennes in the said County to the Bank 
of the Ohio opposite to the town of Henderson, in Ken- 
tucky ; also from Vincennes to Kaskaskia, in Randolph 
county, and from thence to Lusk's Ferry on the Ohio, who 
will open good waggon roads and Establish houses of En- 
tertainment thereon for Five Years, under such restrictions 
as to your Wisdom may Seem Necessary. 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 23 

And your Memorialists further beg leave to represent 
that one of the most indispensable articles of life (Salt) is 
very Scarse and difficult to be obtained, That for the want 
of a sufficient number of Salt Springs in their Country, that 
difficulty must increase with the population, and if effectual 
methods are not taken to secure the Timber in the neigh- 
bourhood of the Salt Springs from being willfully or care- 
lessly wasted and destroyed, they will in a very few years 
indeed be utterl}' destitute of that very valuable article ; 
that there is but one Salt Spring known in the Country of 
any value, and that is situate below the mouth of the Wabash 
River, Commonly called the Saline, and is very advanta- 
geously placed for the accommodation of most of the In- 
habitants of the Territory, and has, moreover, been lately 
ceded by the Indians to the general Government. 

Your memoralists, therefore, humbly pray the Congress 
of the United States to extend their Bounty to this Terri- 
tory as they have lately done to that Northwest of the Ohio, 
and vest the said Salt Spring in the Legislature of the Ter- 
ritory, as soon as it is formed in trust, for the use of the 
Territory, and untill the Legislature be formed, that the 
management of said spring be committed to the Governor 
of the Territory, or to such other person as the President 
of the United States may think proper to appoint. 

By a Resolve of Congress of the 29th August, 1788, 
confirmed by an Act of the United States of the 3d 

March, 1 791, a donation of Four hundred acres of land 
C. is given to each of those persons who were heads of 

Families in the Illinois Country on or before the year 
1783, which the Governor of the Territory was directed to 
cause to be laid off to the several claimants in a form of a 
Parallelogram adjoining the several Villages therein men- 
tioned. 

The v/hole of the lands adjoining those Villages were 



2 A SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

before the passage of the above Resolve the private prop- 
erty of Individuals who claimed the same by Virtue of old 
grants made to them and their ancestors during the time 
of the French government so that the Governor could not 
cause the said donation to be laid off in the form and man- 
ner designated by the said Resolve. 

This has been very detrimental to the several Grantees, 
and in a great measure prevented the further population 
of the Country, your memorialists however beg leave to 
observe, that if the said donation lands are directed to be 
laid off in distinct Bodies for each Village, by far the great- 
est part of them must from the Very large and extensive 
Prairies with which the whole of that country abounds be 
wholly and absolutely useless through the entire want of 
Timber. 

Your memoralists therefore pray you to take the situa- 
tion of the antient Inhabitants of the Illinois Country into 
Consideration and as the humane Intention of Congress 
was to give such lands as would be useful, that you will 
permit the said Grantees, their Heirs and assigns es- 
pecially after a period of Fourteen years, to locate their 
said donation of Four hundred acres of land in separate 
Tracts, in such parts of the Illinois Country to which the 
Indian titles may have been extinguished, and that the 
Governor of the Territory may be authorized to issue 
Patents therefor. This permission to locate the lands in 
separate Tracts, will not it is conceived be prejudicial to 
the United States, as the value of the lands in the neigh- 
bourhood of each Settled Tract will thereby be con- 
siderable augmented. 

Your memoralists further shew that they view that part 
of the ordinance for the Government of the Territory 
which requires a freehold qualification in fifty acres of 
land as Electors for members to the general assembly as 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 25 

subversive of the liberties of the Citizens and tending to 
throw too great a weight in the Scale of wealth — They 
therefore pray that the right of Suffrage (in voting for 
representatives to the General assembly) may be extended 
to the free male Inhabitants of the Territory of the age of 
Twenty one years and upwards, but under such Regula- 
tions and Restrictions as to you in your Wisdom may seem 
proper. 

Since the Erection of the Territory into a separate Gov- 
ernment, the Attorney General thereof has prosecuted 
not only for offenses committed against the Municipal 
Laws of the Territory but also against the Laws of the 
United States, and has been obliged at three different 
Times to travel one hundred and sixty miles, from his 
home to the seat of the Territorial Government to prose- 
cute offenders against those Laws, and yet he has re- 
ceived no Compensation for his Services either from the 
United States or the Territory, nor is it probable that the 
Territory can afford to allow him any Salary for his future 
services. 

Your memorialists, therefore, pray that a Law ma}- be 
passed allowing a Salary to the Attorney-General of the 
Territory adequate to the important services which are 
rendered by that officer to the United States as well as to 
the Territory. 

Your memorialists are well aware that the consideration 
of the numerous objects contemplated by this memorial 
will require more time than can well be spared from the 
important and general concerns of the Union, but when 
they reflect upon their neglected and orphan-like Situation 
they are emboldened to hope that their wants and wishes 
will meet w^ith all the indulgence and attention necessary 



26 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



to secure to them the reHef which is so essential to their 
welfare and happiness. 

Done at Vincennes in the Indiana Territory the 
twenty-eighth day of December in the Year 
of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred 
and Two, and of the Independence of the 
United States the Twenty-Seventh. 
By order of the Convention. 

WiLLM Henry Harrison President 
& Delegate from the County of Knox. 
Teste 

John Rice Jones 
Secy 

Note. — This is the seal of Indiana, setting sun, buffalo 

and man cutting tree, but not the same as now — the buf- 

[SEAL.] falo's tail is down and the head is opposite the sun. 

The word Indiana is on a scroll in the branches of the 

tree. 

Indorsements. 

No. 4. 



Memorial and petition of the in- 
habitants of the Indiana Territorj 
signed by order of a convention of 
the said inhabitants by William 
Henry Harrison, their President. 

8th February, 1803. 
Referred to Mr. Randolph 
Mr. Griswold 
Mr. Robt. Williams 
Mr. Lewis R Morris 

and 
Mr. Hoge. 

2nd March, 1803, report made and 
referred to a committee of the 
whole House to-morrow. 

13th December, 1803, referred to 
Mr. Rodney, Mr. Boyle, and Mr. 
Rhea (of Tennessee.) 



17th February, 1804. 
Report made and referred to a 
committee of the whole House on 
Monday next. 

i8th December, 1805. 
Referred to Mr. Garnett, W. 
Morrow of Ohio, Mr. Parke, Mr. 
Hamilton, Mr. Smith (of So. Caro- 
lina), Mr. Walton and Mr. Van Cort- 
landt. 

13th February, 1806. 
Select com'ee dischd. from so 
much as relates to donation and 
preemption right to lands and to 
the salt springs, and the same re- 
ferred to the Committee on the 
public Lands. 

14th Feb'y 1S06. 
Rep. made and refd. to Comee 
who: House on Tuesday next. 



SLA VER Y PE TITIONS A ND PA PERS. 2 7 

Resolution of Vincennes Convention. 

(Accompanying the preceding. Copy of original paper. House files.) 

We the People of Indiana Territory inhabiting the mid- 
dle and western Divisions of the Country Northwest of the 
Ohio, do by our Representatives in general Convention 
assembled, hereby agree that the operation of the Sixth 
Article of Compact between the United States and the 
people of the Territory should be suspended for the space 
of ten years from the Day that a law may be passed by 
Congress giving their Consent to the Suspension of the 
said Article. 

Provided however that should no law be passed by Con- 
gress for suspending the said article before the 4th day of 
March 1805, then the Consent of the people of this Terri- 
tory hereby given shall be void and of no effect. 

Done at Vincennes in the Indiana Territory the 
twenty-fifth day of December one thousand 
Eight hundred and two, and in the twenty- 
seventh year of the Independence of the 
United States. 

By order of the Convention. 

WiLLM Henry Harrison President 
& Delegate from the County of Knox. 
Teste 
Jno. Rice Jones, 
Secretary. 

[SEAL.] Note.— Seal of Indiana as in preceding. 

Indorsement. 

Accompanj'ing a letter from Will- 
iam Henry Harrison, President of 
the Convention held at Vincennes in 
the Indiana Territory received the 8th 
of February, 1803 



28 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

Letter of William Henry Harrison. 

(Accompanying the preceding. From Ex. Docs. 7th Cong., 2d Sess.) 

In Convention, 

ViNCENNEs, Indiana Territory, 
28th December, 1802. 
Sir — The people of the Indiana Territory, having by 
their representatives in general convention assembled, de- 
termined to suspend, for a term of years, the operation of 
the sixth article of Compact between the United States and 
the people of the Territory, I have the honor herewith to 
inclose you for the information of the house of Represen- 
tatives, the instrument declaratory of their consent. 
I have the honor to be. 
With perfect respect. 

Sir, your humble servant, 
(By order of the convention) 

William Henry Harrison, President, 

and Delegate from the County of Knox. 
The Honorable 

The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 
United States. 



Report on the Preceding. 

(Am. State Papers. Public Lands, Vol. I, p. 146.) 

7th Congress. 2d Session. 

Indiana Territory. 

Coniviuuicated to the I/oiisc of Representatives, March 2, 1803. 

Mr. Randolph, from the committee to which was re- 
ferred a letter from William Henry Harrison, president of 
tlie convention held at Vincennes, declaring the consent 
of the people of Indiana to the suspension of the sixtii 
article of compact between the United States and the 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 29 

people of that Territory ; also, a memorial and petition of 
the inhabitants of the said Territory ; made the following 
report : 

That the rapid population of the State of Ohio suffi- 
ciently evinces, in the opinion of your committee, that the 
labor of slaves is not necessary to promote the growth and 
settlement of colonies in that region. That this labor, 
demonstrably the dearest of any, can only be employed 
to advantage in the cultivation of products more valuable 
than any known to that quarter of the United States ; that 
the committee deem it highly dangerous and inexpedient 
to impair a provision wisely calculated to promote the 
happiness and prosperity of the northwestern countr}-, 
and to give strength and security to that extensive fron- 
tier. In the salutary operation of this sagacious and 
benevolent restraint, it is believed that the inhabitants of 
Indiana will, at no very distant day, find ample remuneri^- 
tion for a temporary privation of labor and of emigration. 

On the various objects of the memorial, your committee 
beg leave to observe : 

That, an appropriation having been made, empowering 
the Executive to extinguish Indian titles to lands within 
the limits of the United States, the particular direction of 
that power rests entirely with that department of the Gov- 
ernment ; that, to permit the location of the claims under 
the resolve of Congress of the 29th of August, 1788, and 
the act of the 3d of March, 1791 (of whose number and 
extent the committee are entirely ignorant) in the mode 
pointed out in the memorial, would be an infringement 
upon that regular mode of survey and of location which 
has been so happily adhered to in relation to the public 
lands. At the same time the committee are of opinion 
that, after those lands shall have been surveyed, a certain 
number of townships should be designated, out of which 
the claims aforesaid ought to be satisfied. In a country 



30 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



abounding in new and unsettled lands, it is presumed that 
every individual may become a proprietor of the soil ; and 
inasmuch as the people of Indiana will, at a period not far 
distant, be enabled to establish the right of suffrage on 
such principles as the majority may approve, the commit- 
tee deem it inexpedient to alter a regulation whose effect 
is to retain in the hands of persons naturally attached to 
the welfare of the country the Government of a remote 
dependency, which, from its vicinage to the territories of 
foreign States, and from the sparseness of its population, 
might otherwise be exposed to foreign intrigue and in- 
fluence. 

Measures having been taken to put the salt spring below 
the mouth of the Wabash river in a situation to yield every 
possible benefit to the adjacent country, the committee are 
of opinion that it is, at this time, inexpedient to vest that 
pi^perty in the legislature of the Indiana Territory. From 
such a consideration as they have been enabled to bestow 
on the subject at this late period of the session, and under 
the pressure of accumulating business, they recommend 
the following resolutions, which are respectfully submitted 
to the judgment of the House : 

1. /Resolved, That it is inexpedient to suspend, for a 
limited time, the operation of the sixth article of compact 
between the original States and the people and States west 
of the River Ohio. 

2. Resolved, That a provision, not exceeding one thirty- 
sixth part of the public lands within the Indiana Territory, 
ought to be made for the support of schools within the same. 

3. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and 
he hereby is, required to cause an estimate to be made of 
the number and extent of their claims to lands under the 
resolve of Congress of the 29th of August, 1788, and the 
act of the 3d of March, 1791 ; and to lay the same before 
this House at the ensuing session of Congress. 



SLA VER Y PE TIT JONS A ND PA PERS. 3 1 

4. Resolved, That in all sales of the public lands within 
the Territory of Indiana, the right of preemption be given 
to actual settlers on the same, 

5. Resolved, That it is inexpedient to grant lands to 
individuals for the purpose of establishing houses of enter- 
tainment, and of opening certain roads. 

6. Resolved, That it is, at this time, inexpedient to vest 
in the Legislature of Indiana the salt spring below the 
mouth of the Wabash river. 

7. Resolved, That it is inexpedient to alter the existing 
regulation of the right of suffrage within the said Terri- 
tory. 

8. Resolved, That compensation ought to be made to 
the Attorney General of the said Territory, for services 
performed by him in behalf of the United States. 



Note. — It will be seen, from the indorsements on the petition of the 
Vincennes Convention, that it was referred year after year, in connection 
with kindred petitions, and was acted on long after the time fixed by the 
Convention as the limit of their consent to a change in the sixth article. 



Second Report on Petition of the Vincennes 
Convention. 

(Am. State Papers. Misc., Vol. I, p. 387.) 
8th Congress. ist Session. 

Slavery, Elective Franchise, and Public Lands 
In Indiana Territory. 

Communicated to the House of Representatives, February 17, I8O4. 

Mr. Rodney, from the committee to whom were referred 
a letter from William Henry Harrison, president of the 
general convention of the representatives of the people of 
the Indiana Territory, also a memorial and petition from 
the said convention, together with the report of a former 
committee on the same subject at the last session of Con- 
gress made the following report : 



32 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

That taking into their consideration the facts stated in 
the said memorial and petition, they are induced to believe 
that a qualified suspension, for a limited time, of the sixth 
article of compact between the original States and the 
people and States west of the river Ohio, might be pro- 
ductive of benefit and advantage to the said Territory. 

They do not conceive it would be proper to break in 
upon the system adopted for surveying and locating public 
lands, which experience has proved so well calculated to 
promote the general interest. If a preference be given to 
particular individuals in the present instance, an example 
will be set, by which future claimants will obtain the same 
privilege. The committee are, nevertheless, of opinion, 
that after those lands shall have been surveyed, a certain 
number of townships should be designated, out of which 
the claims stated in the memorial ought to be satisfied ; 
and that, for the encouragement of actual settlers, the 
right of pre-emption should be secured to them. 

They consider the existing regulations, contained in the 
ordinance for the government of the Territory of the 
United States, which requires a freehold of fifty acres as 
a qualification for an elector of the General Assembly, as 
limiting too much the elective franchise. They conceive 
the vital principle of a free Government is, that taxation 
and representation should go together after a residence of 
sufficient length to manifest the intention of becoming a 
permanent inhabitant, and to evince, by conduct orderly 
and upright, that a person is entitled to the rights of an 
elector. This probationary period should not extend be- 
yond two years. 

It must be the true policy of the United States, with the 
millions of acres of habitable country which she possesses, 
to cherish those principles which gave birth to her inde- 
pendence, and created her a nation, by affording an 
asylum to the oppressed of all countries. 



SLA VER Y PETITIONS A ND PA PERS. 33 

One important object desired in the njemorial, the extin- 
guishment of the Indian title to certain lands, has been 
happily accomplished ; whilst the salt spring below the 
mouth of the Wabash river has also been placed in a situa- 
tion to be productive of every reasonable advantage. 

After a careful review and an attentive consideration of 
the various subjects contemplated in the memorial and 
petition, the committee respectfully submit to the House the 
following resolutions, as embracing all the objects which 
require the attention of Congress at this period : 

Resolved, That the sixth article of the ordinance of 1787, 
which prohibited slavery within the said Territory, be sus- 
pended, in a qualified manner, for ten years, so as to per- 
mit the introduction of slaves, born within the United 
States, from any of the individual States: Provided^ That 
such individual State does not permit the importation of 
slaves from foreign countries : And, provided further ^ That 
the descendants of all such slaves^i^,ryg*aiea*be free at 
the age of twenty-five years, 2^, iffemalfeS^i^ p^5>^e of 
twenty-one years. ^ y^ •**'--.._ xv 

2. Resolved, That every w|i^ fr^e map,, df-Jthe z.^\ of 
twenty-one years, who has r^Mgjd wfthin the Territory, 
two years, and within that time pk^fc^v^itpiJIJ^lt.^^ 'which 
shall have been assessed six months^^efore the election, 
shall enjo}^ the right of an elector of members of the Gen- 
eral Assembly. 

3. Resolved, That in all cases of sales of land within the 
Indiana Territory, the right of pre-emption be given to 
actual settlers on the same. 

4. Resolved, That the Secretary of the Treasury be, and 
he is hereby, required to cause an estimate to be made of 
the number and extent of the claims to lands under the 
resolution of Congress of the 29th of August, 1788, and the 
law of the 3d of March, 1796, and to lay the same before 
this House. 



34 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

5. Resolved^ That provisions, not exceeding one-thirty- 
sixth part of the pubHc lands within the Indiana Territory, 
ought to be made for the support of schools within the 
same. 

6. Resolved, That it is inexpedient to grant lands to indi- 
viduals for the purpose of establishing houses of entertain- 
ment, and opening certain roads. 

7. Resolved^ That it is inexpedient, at this time, to vest in 
the Legislature of Louisiana* Territory the salt spring 
below the mouth of the Wabash river. 

8. Resolved, That compensation ought to be made to the 
attornev general of the said Territory for services performed 
bv him on behalf of the United States. 



LEGISLATIVE PETITION OF DEC. 18, 1805. 

(Copy of original paper. House files.) 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in 
Congress assembled, the petition of the subscribers, tnembers of the 
Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Indiana 
Territory, and constituting a majority of the tivo Houses respectively^ 
humbly skeiveth 

That inasmuch as there are several subjects of legisla- 
tion, material to the present and future interests of the In- 
diana Territory which are under the control of Congress 
only, they think it prudent and Just in relation to their 
constituents and themselves to state them for the consider- 
ation of your honorable body. 

In the first place we would submit the propriety of the 
introduction of slaves into this Territory. It is not from a 
sordid motive or one that springs merely from a view to 
the present circumstances and situation of this Countr3s 
that they urge the adoption of the measure but they con- 

*Evidcnt]y a misprint of "Indiana." 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 35 

sider the subject upon principles of Justice and policy — 
Justice in relation to slaves and policy as it regards the 
Southern states. The slaves that are possessed south of 
the Potomac render the future peace and tranquility of 
those states highly problematical. Their numbers are too 
great to effect either an immediate or a gradual simulta- 
neous emancipation. They regret the African that was 
first landed in the Country and could wish that the invidi- 
ous distinction between freemen and slaves was obliterated 
from the United States. But however repugnant it may 
be to their feelings, or to the principles of a republican 
form of Government, it was entailed upon them by those 
over whose conduct they had no control. The evil was 
planted in the Country when the domination of England 
overruled the honest exertions of their fellow-citizens, it is 
too deeply rooted to be easily eradicated, and it now rather 
becomes a question of policy, in what way the slaves are 
to be disposed of, that they may be least injurious to the 
Country and by which their happless condition may be 
ameliorated. When they are herded together b}'^ hun- 
dreds they cannot be as comfortably provided for as if they 
were scattered in small numbers on farms. That a re- 
moval to the Western Territories would relieve them from 
many of the hardships and inconveniences to which they 
are now subjected they appeal to their situation in the 
northern parts of the states of Maryland and Virginia and 
the States of Kentucky and Tennessee. They do not 
conceive that the greatest influx of emigrants would in- 
crease the number of blacks to such a degree as to render 
them in the least dangerous to the future interests of the 
Territory and with submission they would suggest that 
dispersing them through the Western Territories is the 
only means by which a gradual emancipation can ever be 
effected. 

The Western Territories are immense, their situation 



36 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

inviting, emigration astonishly great, the population west 
of the Ohio must chiefly be derived from the Southern and 
Western States where slaves are most numerous and if no 
restrictions were imposed but holders and possessors of 
blacks permitted to remove them wherever whim or caprice 
might dictate, they would venture to predict that in less 
than a century the colour would be so disseminated as to 
be scarcely discoverable. 

In the next place we submit the propriety of a repeal of 
so much of the ordinance of seventeen hundred and eighty 
seven as relates to the exercise of the right of suffrage, and 
that every free male of free age and resident a certain time, 
or such as are liable to the payment of Taxes should have 
a voice in all elections. Your petitioners conceive that the 
distinction which now exists between those who are not 
possessed of freehold estate, to a certain extent, is invidious 
and unjust ; and that taxation and representation ought to 
be inseparably connected. Those who contribute to the 
support of Government ought to have a voice in the ad- 
ministration thereof. Property is in no instance a test of 
merit or virtue and they do not believe that representative 
bodies will ever be purer or more solicitous for the welfare 
and prosperity of, and the impartial administration of jus- 
tice in, the country under the present restrictions that if 
placed upon the basis above mentioned. 

In the next place your petitioners would propose that the 
United States should cede to this Territory all the salt 
licks and springs in the same on condition that the Terri- 
tory should exempt from taxation for the Term of seven 
years such lands as the United States may dispose of here- 
after. This measure would be mutually beneficial to the 
United States and the Territory. It would encourage and 
increase a Settlement of Public lands, as nothing is more 
injurious to emigrants to a new country than taxation ; 
from the cession the Territory would obtain an adequate 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 37 

compensation for the proposed exemption, and with due 
submission they believe that these licks and springs might 
be managed by the Government of the Territory in a 
manner that would render them as beneficial to the citizens 
of the western Country as they were under the Govern- 
ment of the United States. The citizens of the Territory 
are the most immediately interested in the Just and up- 
right administration of whatever relates to these important 
possessions and in doing Justice to themselves it is believed 
that they will extend their benefits as far as the necessities 
of the western country may require. 

In the next place they would submit the situation of 
various descriptions of claimants to land in this Territory, 
Under certain resolutions and acts of Congress donations 
of land were made to certain inhabitants thereof. The 
donations of four hundred acres each, to the antient in- 
habitants of Vincennes and the greater part of the settle- 
ment and improvement rights as also the claims for mili- 
tary services have been satisfied. But the donations for 
the inhabitants of the Mississippi settlers have never been 
located, although seventeen years have elapsed since the 
resolution therefor was passed by Congress. It is true 
that provision was made for this purpose but it was calcu- 
lated to destroy the end proposed, and it was also consid- 
ered by the Governor of the Territory that he could not 
carry it into effect. To locate these rights as well as oth- 
ers that still exist in the country in a body as has been 
contemplated, would destroy the munificent object which 
Congress had in view in making the donations. The 
prairies comprise much the largest portion of the Country 
to the West of the Wabash, and if the locations were made 
together, a great part of them would fall within a Tract of 
Country possessed of neither wood nor water — Your peti- 
tioners would therefore beg leave to suggest as a measure 
of policy and Justice, the propriety of permitting claimants 



38 SLA 1 ^ER Y I'E TITIONS A ND PA FEES. 

to land under any resolution or act of Congress, whose 
claims have been sanctioned b}^ the Governor of the Terri- 
tory, or whose claims may hereafter be adjusted and set- 
tled by the board of Commissioners respectively to enter 
the same with the receiver of the land office of the District 
in which the claimants may reside, at such rate per acre 
as may be fixed and established for the sale of public lands 
and to receive a quantity of land at such rate equal to the 
amount of their claim, in such place as the}^ may select, 
subject however to the provisions of the law respecting 
public sales of the lands of the United States. 

In the next place your petitioners would wish to call the 
attention of your honorable body to a subject which they 
consider of the utmost importance. It is understood that 
application will be made to Congress at their next Session 
for a division of the Territory. No measure whatever will 
have a more serious and pernicious influence on the inter- 
ests and future prosperity of the Territory than this, and 
from a candid and impartial examination of the subject 
they can discover no plausible reason in favor of it. As 
it may Justly be presumed that those most familiarized 
with the situation and relative interests of the Territory 
have an opportunity of forming a correct estimate of the 
expediency or impropriety of this measure, they beg leave 
to submit a few remarks on the subject. 

The seat of Government is established at Vincennes 
situate as near the center between the western and eastern 
extremes of the Territory as convenience and propriety 
will admit. It has been said, that the distance from the 
exterior parts of the Territory to Vincennes operates a 
serious inconvenience to the inhabitants thereof. Your 
petitioners believe that there is no reason neither Just nor 
plausible in support of the Opinion. The administration 
of Justice, and of the Government generally, is arranged 
in such a manner, that a Journey to Vincennes is in very 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. ^g 

few instances necessaiy. The General Court holds an 
annual session in each county for the trial of issues of fact 
belonging thereto and made up in the General Court. It 
is true that were there a greater number of Judges of the 
General Court, some delay in the trial of causes might be 
saved as there could be two instead of one annual Session 
in each County. 

But the Territory has recently adopted the second grade 
of Government by which a considerable expence must 
necessarily be incurred. Taxes will be as heavy as the 
people can support for several years. Land is almost the 
only source of Territorial revenue. If the contemplated 
division takes place one section of the Territory will nec- 
essarily have to support the expence that is now collected 
from the whole. The subject is left to the consideration 
of Congress. 

Your petitioners will now proceed to a subject of equal 
importance and the consideration of which is in some de- 
gree connected with the preceding. They wish that the 
United States may be relieved from the expences and in- 
conveniences of the Territorial Government and for this- 
purpose that the citizens of the Territory should be per- 
mitted to form a State Government as soon as their popu- 
lation would authorise the measure. 

At present the ordianance contemplates a division of the 
Territor}"^ into two States. But many years must elapse 
before the two sections will arrive at a degree of popula- 
tion by which this desirable object can be effected. With 
submission they would therefore propose, to connect the 
two divisions in one State Government, until they sever- 
ally obtain a population that will authorise a division into 
two States. They conceive that no disadvantage could 
result to the United States from this arrangement and 
they are confident that it would be productive of essential 
benefits to the country. The consideration of self Gov- 



AO ^LA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

ernment alone is sufficient to render it desirable. The 
Indian Title, exxept a part of the Piankashaw claim, has 
been extinguished from the Miami to the Mississippi ; and 
from the measures recently taken by the General Govern- 
ment for the Surveying and disposal of Public Lands, a 
short time will connect all the settlements from one ex- 
treme of the Territory to the other. It is less than three 
hundred miles from the Miami to the Mississippi ; from 
the upper settlements, opposite the Missouri, it is less than 
two hundred miles to the Ohio ; and from Vincennes on 
the Wabash to the Ohio it is about fifty miles. 

This tract of country lies in a convenient form for a 
State. The character, customs and manners of the peo- 
ple are nearly the same ; their respective interests are the 
same : as also the climate, soil and productions. And the 
country at any future period can be divided into two 
States if an accumulated population renders it expedient 
or necessary. 

All of which is respectfully submitted. 

August 19th, 1805. 

B. Chambers, 

President of the Council, 
Jno. Rice Jones, ) Members of 
Pierre Menard,^ the L. C, 

Jesse B. Thomas, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives, 

John Johnson, ^ Members of 
G.Fisher, the H. Rep. 

. B. Parke, ) * 

Indorsetticnts. 

No. (^. 
Petition of the Legislative Coun- 
cil and House of Representatives of 
the Indiana territory. 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 41 



iSth December, 1805, 
referred to Mr. Garnett, 

Mr. Morrow, of Ohio, 

Mr. Parke, 

Mr. Hainilton, 

Mr. Smith, of So. Carolina, 

Mr. Walton, and 

Mr. Van Cortlandt. 

13th February, 1806, 
Select Com'ee, discharged from so 
much as relates to the salt licks and 
springs and the donation and pre- 
emption right to lands, and the same 
referred to the Committee on the 
Public Lands. 

8th April. 1S06, 
Committee on Public Lands dis- 
charged, and referred to Committee 
of the whole House, on the bill re- 
specting claims to lands in Indiana 
territory' and State of Ohio. 

M. Gregg. 



MEMORIAL FROM RANDOLPH AND ST. CLAIR 
COUNTIES, 1805. 

(Copv of Original Paper. House Files.) 

To fhe honorable the senate and house of representatives of the United 
States in Congress Assembled: The memorial of the subscribers, in- 
habitants of the counties of Randolph ajid St. Clair, situated on the 
cast bank of the Mississippi, in the Indiana Territory, respectfully 
sheiveth, 

That your memorialists have at various periods, since 
the division of the Territory northwest of the Ohio, ad- 
dressed your honorable bodies, praying for the redress of 
certain heavy grievances, under which they then labored. 



42 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



but that, from the policy adopted by your honorable bod- 
ies, in the general arrangements for the governments of 
these territories and of the late ceded province of Louisi- 
ana, with which the immediate local interests of your me- 
morialists were conceived to be incompatible, they were 
unhappily disappointed. But as those general arrange- 
ments have now been compleated, and the policy of the 
general government, in the direction of the affairs of the 
western extremity of the union, are evidently to the minds 
of your memorialists, they confidently hope now to present 
to your consideration the adoption of a measure which, in 
their opinions, is not only calculated to remove effectually 
the causes of their still existing grievances, but is, at the 
same time, perfectly consonant to the general views of gov- 
ernment, with respect to the political system to be adopted 
for the territories lying east and west of the Mississippi. 
Under this impression, and from a full conviction, that your 
honorable bodies will bestow due consideration on the cir- 
cumstances of your memorialists, they respectfully solicit 
your attention, while they suggest the expediency of a divi- 
sion of the Indiana Territor}^ and the erection, into a sepa- 
rate territorial government, of that extent of country alloted, 
in the fifth article of compact between the original states, and 
the people and states in the territory of the United States 
north west of the river Ohio, and contained in the ordi- 
nance for the government of the said territory, in 1787' to 
form the western state ; and to consent, in common with 
the people of the said extent of country so allotted to form 
the western state, that the sixth article of compact, con- 
tained in the said ordinance, maybe so modified as to ad- 
mit of slavery within the limits of the said extent of coun- 
try, either unconditional, or under such restrictions or lim- 
itations, as your honorable bodies may, in your wisdom, 
deem proper to impose ; soliciting also, at the same time, 
your attention, while they offer, with due deference, some 



SLAVEEY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 43 

general remarks, on the merits and force of this their claim, 
for the attainment of these much wished for and important 
objects, on which their future prosperity must greatly de- 
pend. 

A ruinous inconvenience attending the present situation 
of your memorialists, and which is not the least in their list, 
arises from the great distance between the said counties of 
the Territory and Vincennes, the seat of government, which 
is about one hundred and eighty miles, through a dreary and 
inhospitable wilderness, uninhabited, and which during one 
part of the year, can scarcely afford water sufficient to sus- 
tain nature, and that of the most indifferent quality, besides 
presenting other hardships equally severe, while in another 
it is in part under water, and in places to the extent of some 
miles, by which the road is rendered almost impassable, 
and the traveller is not only subjected to the greatest diffi- 
culties, but his life placed in the most imminent danger. 
The great inconveniences, independent of the dangers to 
which our citizens, who are under the necessity of attending 
the courts, or the legislature, or whose attendance upon any 
other occasion may be required by the public authorities, 
are subjected, and the consequences, from the frequent 
removals from the county courts to the general court of 
suits for the most inconsiderable sums, to which the poor 
man is exposed to save his little all, are too obvious here to 
require a detail. 

This source of evil naturally leads us to the notice of an- 
other of considerable extent, which claims the most serious 
attention, and which must, inevitably, prove a fatal check 
to the growth of the country allotted for the western state, 
unless timely and effective measures be taken to check it. 
From the obstacles already but very partially described, 
and from the peculiar nature of the face of the country lying 
between these settlements and the Wabash, a communica- 
tion between them and the settlements east of that river, 



44 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

cannot, in the common course of things, for centuries yet to 
come, be supported with the least benefit, or be of the least 
moment to either of them. This tract of country consists 
chiefly of extensive prairies, which scarcely afford wood or 
water, which utterly precludes the possibility of settlement 
to any extent worthy of notice. From the existence of this 
serious fact, a bar to the interchange of mutual good offices, 
and of private interests and concerns, is raised upon a 
foundation too firm to be shaken or surmounted. If, there- 
fore, so great a disconnexion with respect to the inter- 
change oi private interests, exists between the citizens of 
the eastern and those of the western extremities of the 
territory, what prospects can be afforded of an union be- 
tween them, and of the consequent harmony and inter- 
change of mutual support in the support of their -political 
interests ? None. In the place of that union will arise 
discord, virulence, and animosity, and the scenes of con- 
fusion always attendant upon the contentions of remote 
districts, possessing different political interests, and the 
natural consequence resulting therefrom, the destruction 
of the general peace and prosperity of the whole commu- 
nity, without any solid benefit to either of the contending 
parties. Already have the seeds of discord been sown ; 
already have they presented a prospect of rapid growth ; 
but your memorialists offer up their earnest and sincere 
prayers to Heaven, to avert, through the agency of the 
guardians and the protectors of their liberties and property, 
the sad and much dreaded effects of the threatened com- 
motions. 

Another great subject of complaint proceeds from our 
having been unwarrantably precipitated into the second 
grade of territorial government, to the proportional ex- 
penses of which neither your memorialists, nor the re- 
maining part of the territory, are adequate in their present 
circumstances. Upon an application made to the execu- 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. At 

tive for that purpose, an application which your memori- 
alists have reason to believe was confined to some of the 
inhabitants of the county of Knox, and in which they 
themselves had no manner of agency, he issued his proc- 
lamation and writs of election, with a view of ascertaining 
the voices of the freeholders in the several counties, upon 
this important question. From this mode o*f procedure, 
the sentiments of such only of the freeholders as actually 
attended the election and gave in their suffrages could be 
ascertained. The elections in the counties of Randolph 
and St. Clair were but very partially attended ; a majority, 
however, of those freeholders who did attend, gave their 
suffrages against the measure ; in the county of Knox 
very generally, and the votes almost unanimously given 
in the affirmative ; in the counties of Clark and Dearborn 
but partially, and the majority of votes in the negative ; 
from the county of Wayne, which contained a principal 
portion of the population of the territory, no votes were 
received, the writs of election having arrived subsequentlv 
to the day of election. From this mode of procedure, in- 
competent to the object contemplated, from this slight and 
partial expression of the public sentiments upon this im- 
portant subject, the executive was satisfied that there was a 
majority of the freeholders in the territory in favor of enter- 
ing into the second grade of government, and took the 
necessary steps for the organization thereof accordingly. 
Since the county of Wayne has been struck off, the ex- 
penses attendant upon this grade, must be the more sensi- 
bly felt, from so considerable a diminution of the popula- 
tion, and as your memorialists have not the least prospect 
of deriving any advantages equivalent to this burthen thus 
forced upon them, as the proportion of the representation 
is in favor of the eastern counties, they feel themselves 
impelled by necessity to apply for a redress of this griev- 



a6 'SX.l VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

ance, in preference to a silent acquiescence in the meas- 
ure. 

Your memorialists can not suffer to pass unnoticed, the 
practice of issuing attachments for contempt of court, 
against witnesses for non-attendance, and public officers, 
upon pretexts, in the opinion of your memorialists, resting 
upon the slightest grounds, a vexatious practice, which 
has a great tendency to sour the minds of the citizens of 
this remote part of the territory, from the hardships, as 
already described, to which they must be exposed from 
these proceedings. 

Your memorialists beg permission here to suggest, that 
by adopting the policy submitted in this memorial, to your 
consideration, the views of the general government would 
be greatly promoted, and the rage for emigation to upper 
Louisiana would not only in a great measure cease, but 
have a tendency to enhance the value of the public lands 
on the east side of the Mississippi, render their sale rapid, 
and by an increase of its population, place in a flourishing 
situation the country which now claims the patronage and 
support of its government. 

Your memorialists, therefore, resting satisfied in their 
firm expectations, that your honorable body will take into 
serious consideration their distressed situation, and at 
length grant them the desired relief, very respectfully sub- 
mit their prayer, as stated in the preceding part of this 
their memorial. And as in duty bound they will ever 
pray, etc. 

]. Edgar, Wm. Morrison, Robert Morrison, 

J. Page, R- Robinson, Wm. Wilson, 

John Hague, Miles Hotchkiss, John Grovenor, 

Parker Grovenor, John Lock, Wm. Arundel, 

John Gray, Alexis Goderis, Charles Bergan, 

P. Choslier, Wm. Dunn, Hugh Carrigin, 

Louis Charbiall, Ephraim Carpenter, Reuben White, 

Able Dcnnj, Peter Porae, John Joseph, 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



47 



Wm. Speakman, 
Oliver Reed, 
Aaron Bowen, 
Leroy Elliott, 
Thos. Wadley, 
J. M'Murtry, 
Peter Page. 
Joseph Lestogos, 
T. Chartran, 
John Dumoulier, 
John Doyle, 
Adam Wargrit, 
James McGowan, 
Julien Le Compt, 
' Francois Arnousse, 
Louise Gervais, 
John Lyle, 
M. Lagrove, 
Dennis Bergin, 
Gabriel Marteau. 
Pierre Martin, junr., 
Charles Germaine, 

Israel Baley, 
John Halderman, 

La Cuxier, 
John Latuxiere, 

A. Languirand, 

Nicholas Turgeon, 
John Hay, 

Joan Mennier, 

Jean Palmier. 

L. Diilonchunt, 

P. Laflae. 

Joseph Jame, 

Thomas James, 

A. Whyskey, 

Louis Pitette, • 

J. Campeau, 

Jos. Greignier, 

L. Ladouceur, 

Loviis Trotier. 

Edward Hebert, 

Joseph Chenier, 

Julien Nicole. 



Richard Arcless, 
Martin Brewer, 
Wm. Haley, 
George Baker, 
John Reynolds, 
Thomas Cox, 
Wm. H. Bell, 
Julien Mercier, 
Wharham Strong, 
Jean Dehag, 
James Edgar, 
Michael Danes, 
Perrey, 
Lonval, 

Jean N. Godin, 
Nicholas Boismenn, 
Abraham Parker, 
T. Cremour, 
Thomas Primm, 
J. C. Bequete, 
Clement Allery, 
Louis Debois, 
Pierre Guerin, 
D. Ensminger, 
Antoine V'audray, 
Michael Gamelin, 
Wm. Cairns, 
Francois Le Faivre, 
D. Blondeau, 
Joseph Touchette, 
J. Lopage, 
J. Chartran, 
M. Holland. 
P. Touke, 

Jacob Weyand, Jun'r, 
Pierre Cowpagarte, 
Michael Pitette, 
J. Bt. Saucier, 
Louis Le Brun, 
Louis Le Compte, 
Joseph Trotier, 
Joseph Poupart, Sen., 
Joseph Batteau, 
J. Le Renan, 



Daniel Bave, 
N. Brewer, 
P. Barbary, 
G. Belcher, 
Cole Beale, 
George Franklin, 
John Talbot, 
Louis Gendron, 
Louis Pinsonneau, 
B. Mercier, 
J. Morrison, 
Wm. Lucas, 
T. H. Talbot, 
J. M agate, 
J. B. Gendron, 

Charles O'Neill, 
E. Pinsoneau, 
Thos. Brady, 
Pierre Godin, 

Pierre Martin, senr., 

Hubert Mercier, 
John Junie, 
George Cunningham 
J. D. Maroit, 

Pascal Letoms, 
John Dupre, 
John Hays, 
J. Parrot, 

Samuel Best, 

Pierre Laperche, 
J. C. Allary, 

O. Gerandin, 

Elihu Mather, 

Daniel Page, 

A. P. Williams, 

Louis Chalet, 

Louis Pettetier, 

Basil Beaulieu, 

J. B. Bequette, 

Clement Trotier, 

Pois Trotier, 

Joseph Poupart, Jun'r, 

P. Descrete, 

Louis Ronillard, 



48 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



Joseph Manege, 
Joseph Gonville, 
Reuben Lanej, 
James Downing, 
Uel Whiteside, 
Jos. Reed, 
Charles M'Nall, 
Samuel Jacanaj, 
Benjamin Hoyerman, 
Bailey Boyles, 
Jesse Wadlj', 
David Fultor, 
John Whiteside 
Charles Pettit, 
Solomon Allen, 
Jesse Griggs, 
Wm. R. Cox, 
C. Davis, Jun'r, 
John Laney, 
Moses Oliver, 
David Fulton, 
William Phillips, 
Michel Peltier, 
Jesse Boyles,'; 
S. Thorn. 
Franklin Jarvis, 
Jonathan Hill. 
Joseph Chance, 
G. McMutrey, 
Hugh Walker, 
Moses Short, 
Alexander Scott, 
James Bankson, 
Charles Weakefield, 
Paul Gaskell, 
John Carruthers, 
Robert Brasil, 
Thomas Morrow, 
Robert Whiteside, 
Wm. Johorson, 
John Goin, 
William Miller, 
James Gilbrcath, 
Henry Miller, 



P. Coline, 
Auguste Trotier, 
Samuel Lecey, 
George Blair, 
Joseph Cornelius, 
Wm. M'Roberts, 
Jess Morrison, 
S. Hubert Lethrune, Jun'r 
Moses Short, 
Antoine Girarding, 
William Atcheson, 
Moses B. Reed, 
James Lightell, 
Joseph Anderson, 
John Belderback, 
J. B. Montray, Jun'r, 
Francis Guthery, 
H. Iduls, 

Louis Petit Calumiene, 
John Fulton, 
T. Ambereau, 
John Mordock, 
Joseph Barrutel, 
Bailey Boyles, 
D. Thorn, 
John Hill, 
James Meanern, 
William Goin, 
W. Biggs, 
James Scott, 
Joseph Scott, 
Noah Daves, 
Charles Bankson, 
Barneth Bone, 
John Crocker, 
Anthony Thomas, 
James Mansfiel, 
Wm. Scott. 
Edward Ratliff, 
Samuel Shook, 
John Feotor, 
Daniel Stookey, 
Daniel Shook, 
Henry Cox, 



Pois Grondine, 
Francis Paget, 
William Reed, 
Daniel Odell, 
James Caldwell, 
John Kidd, 
J. B. Montray, 
,Pierre Liqe, 
Noah Davis, 
George Stanto, Jun'r, 
W. Roberts, 
John Liley, 
Jonathan Pettit, 
Wm. Bell, 
Antoine Peltier, 
Joshua Lacey, 
Robert Higins, 
D. C. Robinson, 
James Patterson, 
Thomas Fulton, 
P. Harnkon, 
John Forgison, 
William Crawford, 
W. Kelty, 
Thomas Newbury, 
Andrew Bankson, 
Joseph Cook, 
Peter Michel, 
George Biggs, 
William Scott, 
John Scott, 
James Hooper 
John Walker, 
James Jordan, 
Thomas Crocker, 
Valentine Brasel, 
James Bradburj', 
Samuel Scott, 
Isaac Grifen, 
John Walker, 
Abraham Eymam, 
Thomas Harrison, 
Laurence Shook, 
William Downing, 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



49 



Barnabas Bone, 
William Prewet, 
Fields Prewet, 
Enoch Decker, 
Henry Clark, 
Richard Rattan, 
Isaac Ferguson, 
Moses Tinnant, 
Benj'n Custland, 
John Gillham, 
George Green, 
Amos Squirs, 
William Adam, 
David Waddell, 
Michel Atchison, 
John O'Hara, 
Daniel Hull, 
Samuel Morrison, 
Jesse Ranon, 
Abel Lewis, 
Vance Lusk, 
Edward Lacey, 



Aaron West, 
Solomon Prewet, 
Wm. Bolin Whiteside. 
Samuel Gildram, 
Aquilla Dalahide. 
Abraham Pruit, 
James Stockton, 
James Cornelius, 
James Kirkpatrick, 
James Gillham, 
Asher Bagly, 
Wm. Whiteside, 
Shadrach Bond, Sen., 
Alexander Waddell, 
Michael Acheson, 
Jess Kenor, 
Wm. Alexander, 
Henrj' O'Hara, 
Osm. Torton, 
Samuel Lacey, 
Daniel Hazeel, 
Natt Scruggs. 



Ob. Hooper, 
Silas Bankson, 
Joseph Prewet, 
Philemon Higgins, 
John Higgens, 
John Forgorson, 
William Ferguson, 
Jesse Cain, 
Wm. Porter, 
Henry Cook, 
Joel Whiteside, 
Jesse Wadale, 
Davis Whiteside, 
George Atcheson, 
John Payne, 
Henry O'Hara, 
Giles Hull, 
Henrj' Jones, 
William Alexander, 
Francis Relhen, 
George Renne Ramp, 
William Patton. 
In all, about 350. 

1 Do Certify, That the above persons subscribed their 
names, and requested me to have them annexed to the 
petition, praying a division of the Indiana Territory, and 
the admission of slaves into said territory. 

By me, one of the United States justices, and judge of 
common pleas, in said county. Robert Reynolds. 

Endorsements. 

Petition of sundry inhabitants of 
Randolph and St. Clair in the Indi- 
ana Territorj'. 

i8th December, 1805, 

referred to Mr. Garnett, 

" Morrow, of Ohio, 

" Parke. 

" Hamilton, 

" Smith, of S. C, 

" Walton, and 

" Van Cortlandt. 



50 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



14th February, 1S06, 
Report made, and referred to Com'ee 
whole House on Tuesday next. 



(This petition is also published in State Papers, 1S05-1S06. A. & G. 
Waj, Printers, iSoy.) 



PETITION OF DEARBORN COUNTY, DEC. 18, 1805. 

(Copy of Original Paper. House Files. j 

To the honourable the Representatives of the United States in Congress 
Assembled. 

The Humble Petition of the purchasers of lands who are 
settled and intend a settlement on that part of Indiana 
Territory west of the State of Ohio and East of Boundary 
Line Runing from the Mouth of Kentucky River. 

May it Please your Honours. 

Your Petitioners humbly Represent that they are at a 
Distance of Nearly Two Hundred Miles from the Seat of 
Government, that the Intermediate Space is a Wilderness 
occupy'd only by Indians and likely for many years to 
Remain Unoccupied by any Other persons — that the soil 
between the State and Boundary line, Viz. the Northern 
part of it is generally good land and will Admit of a Nu- 
merous Population and that [between] the Boundary line 
and the Wabash River in General Very Broken and there- 
fore Very unlikely to afford a communication to the seat 
of Government, that there is an Imediate Communication 
Between this part of the territory and the State of Ohio, 
and the Distance from the Seat of Government thereof 
only about one hundred and twenty Miles — that your Peti- 
tioners humbly Suggest their Earnest desire that they 
Might at least for the Present Enjoy the Benefit of the 
Government of that State by being aded thereunto — and 
your Petitioners as in duty bound will Ever Pray. 



SLAVERY PETITIOX.S AND PAPERS. 



51 



Robert Templeton,Sen., Robert Templeton, 
John Templeton, Samuel Logan, 

Solomon Tiner, Jacob Hackleman, 

James Cole, William Flood, 

Abner Conner, James Russell, 

John Ewing, Benj. McCarty, 

Jacob Hackleman, Sen'r, Richard Conner, 



Powel Scot, 
Jno. Endsley, 
Abraham Endsley, 
John Hanna, 
William Botkin, 
Enoch Russell, 
James McCoy, 
William Smith, Jun'r 
George Loveston, 
David Stoops, 
William Raney, 
Andrew Endsley, 
Thomas A. Johnson, 
Joseph Cox, 
Richard Rue, 
James Baley, Jun., 



Andrew Endsley, Sen'r, 
Thomas Endsley, 
Wm. Logan, 
John McCutcheon, 
Joseph Wason, 
John Thomson, 
William McCoy, 
Zachariah Cahsey, 
William Logan, 
Enoch McCarty, Sen'r 
William Ahnsworth, 
John Ewing, 
WilUiam Johnston, 
Patrick Ohara, 
James Eads, 
RichardManwaring, Sen'r, 



Enoch McCarty, Jun'r, Wiliam Arnet, 



David Ewing, 
James Adeler, 
David G. Hanna. 
Robt. Hanna, Jun., 
William Blunt, 
Patrick McCarty, 
Asa Ralph, 
William Tiner, 
George Deford, 
Robert Hanna, 
Robt. Speers. 



Joseph Hannah, 
John Adeler, 
John Naileman, 
Robert A. Templeton, 
Daniel Cunningham, 
John Calwell, 
Hazen Ralph, 
Mical Hademan, 
William Crane, 
Jno. Gilliam, 



Indorsements. 



Peter Fleming, 

William Eads, 

James Logan, 
John Russell, 

John MillhoUand, 

William Major, 

Charles Scot, 

Wm. Cunningham 

Hugh Endsley, 

Jacob Lee, 

James Henderson, 

Robert Russell, 

Jonathan Gillam, 

William Smith, 

Soloinon Mainwaring, 

William Vanmetre, 
, Thomas Williams, 

Jeremiah Johnson, 

Wm. Cunningham, Jr., 

George Holman, 

Samuel Hanna, 

James Baley, Sen'r, 
Richard Manwaring,Jun'r, 

Wm. Templeton, 

James Adeler, Sen'r, 

Isaac Adeler, 

Moses Martyr, 

Thomas McCoy, 

William Wilson, 

William McCarty, 

Charles Tilyea, 

John Brown, 

Thimothy Collins, 

John Norres, 



Petition of purchasers of land, set- 
tled and intending to settle, on that 
part of the Indiana Territory, west 
of Ohio, and east of the Boundary 
line running from the mouth of Ken- 
tucky river. 



52 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

l8th December, 1805, 
referred to Mr. Garnett, 

Mr. Morrow, of Ohio, 

Mr. Parke, • 

Mr. Hamilton. 

Mr. Smith (of So. Carolina), 

Mr. Walton, and 

Mr. Van Cortlandt. 



14th February, 1S06, 

Report made, and referred to Com'ee 
who: House on Tuesday next. 

Mr. Gregg. 



REPORT ON THE PETITIONS OF 1805. 

(Am. State Papers. Misc., Vol. I. p. 450.) 
9th Congress) (ist session 

Extension of the Right of Suffrage, And the Admis- 
sion OF Slavery, For a Limited Time, In the In- 
diana Territory, And the Division Thereof. 

Communicated to the House of Reprcsejitatives, February I4, 1S06. 

Mr. Garnett, from the committee to whom were referred 
the report of a select committee, made on the 17th of Feb- 
ruary, 1804, on a letter of William Henry Harrison, presi- 
dent of a convention held at Vincennes, in the Indiana 
Territory, declaring the consent of the people of the said 
Territor}^, to a suspension of the sixth article of compact 
between the United States, and the said people ; also, on 
a memorial and petition of the inhabitants of the said Ter- 
ritory ; also on the petition of the Legislative Council and 
House of Representatives of the said Territory ; together 
with the petition of certain purchasers of land, settled and 
intending to settle on that part of the Indiana Territory 
west of the Ohio, and east of the boundary line running 
from the mouth of the Kentucky river ; and on two me- 



I 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. t-o 

morials from the inhabitants of Randolph and St. Clair 

made the following report : 

That having attentively considered the facts stated in the 
said petition and memorials, they are of opinion that a 
qualified suspension, for a limited time, of the sixth article 
of compact between the original States and the people and 
States west of the river Ohio, would be beneficial to the 
people of the Indiana Territory. The suspension of this 
article is an object almost universally desired in that Ter- 
ritory. It appears to your committee to be a question en- 
tirely different from that between slavery and freedom, in- 
asmuch as it would merely occasion the removal of per- 
sons, already slaves, from one part of the country to an- 
other. The good effects of this suspension, in the present 
instance, would be to accelerate the population of that 
Territory, hitherto retarded by the operation of that article 
of compact, as slaveholders emigrating into the Western 
country might then indulge any preference which they 
might feel for a settlement in the Indiana Territory, in- 
stead of seeking, as they are now compelled to do, settle- 
ments in other states or countries permitting the introduc- 
tion of slaves. The condition of the slaves themselves 
would be much ameliorated by it, it is evident, from ex- 
perience, that the more they are separated and diffused, 
the more care and attention are bestowed on them by their 
masters, each proprietor having it in his power to increase 
their comforts and conveniences in proportion to the small- 
ness of their numbers. The dangers, too, (if any are to 
be apprehended,) from too large a black population exist- 
ing in any one section of country, would certainly be very 
much diminished, if not entirely removed. But whether 
dangers are to be feared from this source or not, it is cer- 
tainly an obvious dictate of sound policy to guard against 
them as far as possible. If this danger does exist, or there 
is any cause to apprehend it, and our Western brethren 



^4 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

are not only willing but desirous to aid us in taking pre- 
cautions against it, would it not be wise to accept their as- 
sistance? We should benefit ourselves, without injuring 
them, as their population must always so far exceed any 
black population which can ever exist in that country as to 
render the idea of danger from that source chimerical. 

You committee consider the regulation, contained in the 
ordinance for the government of the territory of the United 
States, which requires a freehold of fifty acres of land as a 
qualification for an elector of the General Assembly, as 
limiting too much the elective franchise. Some restriction, 
however, being necessary, your committee conceive that a 
residence continued long enough to evince a determination 
to become a permanent inhabitant, should entitle a person 
to the rights of suffrage. This probationary period need 
not extend beyond twelve months. 

The petition of certain settlers in the Indiana Territory, 
praying to be annexed to the State of Ohio, ought not, in 
the opinion of your committee to be granted. 

It appears to your committee that the division of the 
Indiana Territory, in the manner directed by the ordinance 
of 1787, and for which the people of Randolph and St. 
Clair have petitioned your honorable body, would be inex- 
pedient at this time. The people of the two sections have 
lately entered into the second grade of government, the 
whole expense of which would fall on the people of one sec- 
tion, if a division were now to be made. This, in the opin- 
ion of your committee would be neither politic nor just. 
But although a division of the Territory appears improper 
at this time, we think it should be made as soon as the 
population of either section has increased so far as to entitle 
them to form a State Government. The petition which 
prays that such a Government may be formed, by uniting 
the two sections as soon as their inhabitants shall have 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 55 

augmented so far as to authorize it, your committee con- 
ceive ought not to be granted. A Territory, when once 
erected into a State, cannot be divided or dismembered 
without its own consent; the formation, therefore, of two 
States out of this Territory, originally intended by the 
ordinance of 1787, could not constitutionally be effected, 
if the two sections were once permitted to form one State, 
without the consent of that State, however necessary the 
extent and population of that Territory might render such 
division. 

After attentively considering the various objects desired 
in the memorials and petitions the committee respectfully 
submit to the House the following resolutions : 

1. Resolved, That the sixth article of the ordinance of 
1787, which prohibits slavery within the Indiana Territory 
be suspended for ten years, so as to permit the introduction 
of slaves, born within the United States, from any of the 
individual States. 

2. Resolved, That every white freeman of the age of 
twenty-one years, who has resided within the Territory 
twelve months, and within the county in which he claims a 
vote, six months immediately preceding the election, shall 
enjoy the rights of an elector of the General Assembly. 

3. Resolved, That the petition of certain settlers in the 
Indiana Territory, praying to be annexed to the State of 
Ohio ought not to be granted. 

4. Resolved, That it is inexpedient at this time, to grant 
that part of the petition of the people of Randolph and St. 
Clair which prays for a division of the Indiana Territory. 

5. Resolved, That so much of the petition of the Legis- 
lative Council and House of Representatives of the Indiana 
Territory as prays that the two sections may be united 
into one State Government ought not to be granted. 



56 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

MEMORIAL OF RANDOLPH AND ST. CLAIR 
COUNTIES JAN. 17-180(3. 

(Copy of Original Paper. House Files.) 

To the Honourable., The Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States, the memorial of the undersigned perso7is, being a Cotn- 
7nittee appointed by the inhabitants of the Illinois, for the purpose of 
laying their grievances before the National Legislature respectfully 
sheiveth : 

That this country is composed of that part of the do- 
main of the United States, on the North West of the River 
Ohio, which by the ordinance or compact of 1787 has 
been designated to form the western state ; bounded by the 
Mississippi, the Ohio, the Wabash, a north line drawn 
from Vincennes to the divisional line between the United 
States and Canada ; and by this line to the Lake of the 
Woods, and the Mississippi. 

That for the purposes of a temporary Government it 
now forms a member of the Indiana Territory, and is di- 
vided into the Counties Randolph and St. Clair. 

That the form, andextentof this Government, have from 
certain 'circumstances, become not only undesirable, but 
productive of the most pernicious effects. And your memo- 
rialists most humbly solicit your attention while they de- 
tail these circumstances ; while they suggest the propriety 
of a division of this Government, and the erection of that 
part of it above described into a separate Colony. 

Your Memorialists approach your Honourable body with 
the more confidence on this subject, since they flatter 
themselves that the Nation has become sensible of the 
situation in which they have been — their long struggles — 
their unprotected state — their patient submission to incon- 
veniences — and their claims to be now heard. 

Among the many evils attendant on the junction of the 
Illinois with the Indiana Territorv, it is one, that the seat 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 57 

of government is at the distance of one hundred and fifty 
miles from the Illinois settlements — that the intermediate 
country is not only wholly uninhabited, but that being 
destitute of wood it will for a long period remain so — 
dreary beyond description, not a single human dwelling 
is to be found in this whole region. Besides, being a 
country low and level, it is drown'd and of course impassa- 
ble in wet season ; and having few streams or fountains it 
is almost so in dry — that over this inhospitable wild a con- 
siderable portion of the inhabitants of the Illinois are 
obliged, several times a year, to travel as officers, as ju- 
rors, as witnesses, as suitors in the National Court holden 
at Vincennes — that the poor man is often deeply oppressed 
by the appeal of a wealthy antagonist to a court so distant, 
and that from these causes an hindrance to the regular 
administration of justice is most sensibly felt. 

Your Memorialists would further suggest that there is 
not, and cannot be, any natural connection of views be- 
tween the inhabitants of the Wabash, and the Mississippi ; 
and that the landholders of the former country, have al- 
ready begun to feel, or to fancy, an interest in preventing 
the population of the latter. The effects of these feelings, 
on our society and our government are obvious. 

But these evils are not our greatest. It need not be told, 
at this day, that the people of the Illinois have been pre- 
cipitated into the second grade of government contrary to 
their wishes. It need not be told, that the only liberty 
they find is the liberty of submitting to the will of a part of 
the territory, more populous, which feels an opposite in- 
terest. 

Your Memorialists are sorry to add that a resolution has 
been attempted to be passed at the last session of our leg- 
islature, for continuing the union between the middle and 
the western state, in the present colonial government, till 
each shall have a sufficient population to form an independ- 



^8 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

ent one. Of this measure we shall say nothing ; but that 
its effect would have been to continue the seat of govern- 
ment at Vincennes, where some of our principal characters 
have ample possessions — the manner in which it has been 
brought about is seen in the inclosed depositions.* 

Altho your Memorialists can sufficiently appreciate the 
advantage of having a Court acting with Chancery powers, 
yet they wish to see these powers vested in the Supreme 
Court of the territory. It was with pain therefore that they 
saw a law passed by the last territorial assembly vesting 
these powers in a single judge appointable by the Govern- 
or. It is with pain they are now told that it is in proposi- 
tion, at the next session, to create a court of appeals. 
Where will this end? Is it in contemplation to deprive the 
present Government of its control over its colony? Shall 
we next see a board of inspection created to correct the 
movements of the executive? 

But your Memorialists wish to drop their tale of griefs, 
and to take a view of the advantages of the measure pro- 
posed. 

It cannot be doubted that the erection of a Colonial Gov- 
ernment on the banks of the Mississippi would give an ex- 
ceedingly great spring to the population of the country. It 
cannot be doubted that an increase of population in this 
quarter would be important to the Union at large, and the 
establishment pray'd for productive of tranquility here. The 
expense of such an establishment is surely trifling for a na- 
tion so great, and we dare to assure Congress that it will 
be infinitely more than compensated by the advantage of 
an acceleration in the sale of its lands. 

Your Memorialists would further beg leave to solicit as a 
thing which would be promotive of the prosperity of this 
Country, the permission to hold slaves in it. 

The principle of domestic servitude we do not advocate. 

•No depositions are on file. 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 59 

Yet domestic servitude has found its way into the United 
States. It is immovably established there. When an evil 
becomes irremediable is it not v^^isdom to convert it, if pos- 
sible, to some use? 

However unnecessary this state of servitude may be 
thought in the eastern part of this territory, no man has 
doubted its importance here, where among whites health 
and labour are almost incompatible. Here, too, a coun- 
try to which it would probably bring back the principal 
settlers of Upper Louisiana, since they have been driven 
from home by the fear of losing their servants. 

Yo«ur memorialists would further suggest, that the prin- 
cipal part of the lands within the several parallelograms 
which by the Act of Congress of June 20, 1788, were di- 
rected to be laid off, for the purpose of supplying with 
tracts of four hundred acres each of the several heads of 
families in the Illinois, have been covered by antient French 
grants — that many of the persons having rights founded 
on this land, and despairing of being able to get them lo- 
cated, have been obliged to settle on the public lands sub- 
sequent to the year 1791, since the 3d of March of which 
year no rights could be obtained b}^ settlement. Your 
Memorialists would humbly hope that persons under these 
circumstances may be permitted to locate these rights, on 
their settlements thus formed, or that certificates of the 
confirmation of these rights by the Board of Commission- 
ers now sitting in the Country for the division of land 
claims, may be received in payment for the lands of the 
United States in this Country, when their office shall be 
opened for the sale of them. 

But your memorialists will not dwell on the importance 
of those measures which are calculated to accelerate the 
growth of this country, conscious as they are that to draw 
a strong Cordon of regular population along the eastern 
bank of the Mississippi must be felt to be a point of true 



6o SLAVEEY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

National policy, since it would be able by its weight to 
control and to dissipate those hordes of restless adventurers 
who by penetrating into the illimitable regions of the west, 
might defy the national arm and commit the national peace. 
Your Memorialists, as in duty bound will ever pray, etc. 

Moses Short, E. Barker, John Beaird, 

Ephraim Belderback, John Everitt, William Chalfin, 

Henry Levenj, Samuel Kinney, M.Jarrot, 

Perrey, J. Edgar, James Lemen, 

y. Messinger, John Whiteside, William Scott, 

Raphael Drurv, William Goinge, R. Robinson, 

Etne Pinsoneau, N. Biggs. 

Robert Robinson, , 

Clerk of Committee. 
Indorsements. 

No. 5. 
Memorial of sundry inhabitants of 
the counties of Randolph and St. 
Clair, in the Indiana Territory. 

17th January, 1806, 
referred to the committee appointed 
the 19th ultimo, on a letter from 
William Henry Harrison, Governor 
of the Indiana Territory. 

13th February, 1806, 
Select com'ee disch'd, from so much 
as relates to donation and pre-emp 
tion rights to lands, and the same 
referred to the Committee on the 
Public Lands. Mr. Garnett. 



Note. — There are two other copies of this petition on file, one of 
which was probably intended for the Senate. Thej* are in a separate 
wrapper indorsed "26th March, 1806. Referred to the committee of the 
whole House to whom was committed, on the 14th ultimo, the report of 
the committee on the letter of Wm. H. Harrison, a memorial of the legis- 
lative council and the House of Representatives of the Indiana Territory, 
and the several petitions of sundry inhabitants of said territorj-." A 
copy of the next succeeding paper (minutes of the convention) accompa- 
nies them. 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 6 1 

Minutes of the Convention. 

(Accompanying the preceding.) 

At a meeting of the Citizens appointed to form a Com- 
mittee from the Several Townships in the Counties of St. 
Clair and Randolph, to take into Consideration and Rep- 
resent to the General Government the Grievances of these 
Counties, the 25th day of November, 1805. 

Present in Committee — 

James Lemon, John Mesenger, William Scott, John 
Whiteside, Moses Short, John Edgar, E. Backus, John 
Beaird, E. Belderback, John Everts, William Chaffin, 
Ralph Drury, Henry Levin, ' William Goings, Samuel 
Kenney, Robert Robison, Jean F. Perry, N. Jarrot, 
Etienne Pansanno, and William Biggs. 

On Motion 

Unanimously Resolved that Col. John Edgar be Chair- 
man and Robert Robison Clerk of this Committee. 

Resolved that a Memorial be prepared stating the Griev- 
ances of these Counties. That it be signed by the Mem- 
bers of this Committee, and transmitted to the Senate and 
house of Representatives of the United States in Session. 

Resolved that the following Subjects of Complaint are 
those which Most essentially Concern the present Happi- 
ness and future Growth of this" Country — That a Division 
of the Indiana Territory agreeably to the Ordinance of 
1787 designating the tract of Country intended to Consti- 
tute the Western State, is, to the Inhabitants of these 
Counties, for reasons stated in the Memorial signed by the 
Committee, an event much to be desired by every Citizen 
of the Illinois. And altho' the people of these Counties 
prefer a State Government, when time shall have Matured 
them for it, for they too desire to enjoy the priviledges of 
freemen. Yet this Committee feel fully impressed that 
while Connected with the people of the Middle District, 



62 SLAVEBY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

whose views are Distinctly marked by the very nature of 
the country, they cannot hope to derive one solid Advan- 
tage in the Progress from a Territorial to a State Govern- 
ment. 

And whereas the Ordinance of 1787, for the Govern- 
ment of this Territory, is Resfected by the people as the 
Constitution of their Country, this Committee entertain a 
hope that the General Government, after Guaranteeing to 
the people the privileges in that Ordinance Contained, will 
not pass unnoticed the Violation thereof By the late act of 
the Legislature of this Territory Authorizing the importa- 
tion of Slaves, and involuntary servitude for a term of 
years. 

And altho' this Committee entertain no doubt but that 
the Act in Question will render service, by adding a Spring 
to the Growth of this Country, They express the disap- 
probation of a people, who never will Consent to a Viola- 
tion of that ordinance, for this privilege of slavery. When 
Congress shall deem a Change of the Ordinance expedi- 
ent, they will Cheerfully agree to the measure. 

That from the extensive Prairies and barren Lands near 
the Settlements of these Counties, Great Injustice would be 
done the holders of Militia and Donation Rights were they 
Compelled to locate them in one or more Parallelograms 
(or bodies) agreeably to fotmer Regulations ; those tracts 
of land whereon such Locations might be made in justice 
to the owners of these rights, having already been princi- 
pally covered by Ancient Grants and the Governor having 
already ordered the Location of a considerable part of the 
Militia and some of the Donation Rights in these Counties. 
This Committee therefore expressing the wish of the people, 
suggest the plan of Rendering equal Justice to the Citizens 
by laying the Unlocated Rights in Sections, or half sec- 
tions, as other lands Originally purchased of Congress. 

That much injury will be done the Settlers on Public 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. Q^ 

Lands, who have made improvements, which do not come 
with [in] the Act of Congress of 1791 (Respecting im- 
provements) Unless they obtain a pre-emption, or be per- 
mitted to Locate Militia or Donation Rights on their 
Possessions. 

Resolved, that the Memorial now before this Committee 
be received, signed, and transmitted, as in the second 
Resolution above directed, And that Robert Morrison 
esquire be appointed Agent by this Committee, on the 
part of these Counties, whose duty it shall be to lay be- 
fore Congress in Session, the Papers delivered him in 
Charge, and to call on William Biggs and Shadrach Bond 
Esquires, Members of the Legislature of this Territorj;, 
and on the part of this Committee request them to give 
their Affidavits Relative to the Circumstances Referred to 
in the Memorial, and that the Affidavits so taken be trans- 
mitted to Congress with the said Memorial. 

Resolved \h2X this Committee do adjourn, to Meet again 
at such time and place as the Agent Appointed shall Re- 
quest (Giving Notice) and that he be Authorised (If found 
expedient) to cause the proceedings of this Committee to 
be Published. J. Edgar, Chairman. 

A true Copy. 
Attest : 

Robert Robinson, Clerk of Committee. 

Indorsement. 

Accompanying memorial of sundry 
inhabitants of tlie counties of Ran- 
dolph and St. Clair, presented the 
17th January, 1806. 



Census Accompanying Preceding. 

The following is the Number of Souls as nearly as can 
be Ascertained now living in the two Counties of St. Clair 
and Randolph. 



64 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

The Census taken the first day of April, 1801, as 
may be seen by a reference to the Secretary of 
State's office was 2361 

The inhabitants of Prairie Duchaine and on the 
Illinois river at least 550 Souls not included in 
the Census 550 

The Emigration since the Year 1801 to the said two 
Counties is at least one third of the Original 
number — say 750 750 

The Settlements on the Ohio from the mouth to the 
Wabash River including the settlements of 
Fort Massac 650 

Total . 431 1 

Robert Morrison Commissioned to take 
the Census in the year 1801 in the 
above Counties. 

Indorsements. 

Accompanying the petition of sun- 
dry inhabitants of Randolph and St. 
Clair counties in the Indiana terri- 
tory, presented the 26th of March 
1806. 

Reed and ref 
to whom referred to Harrisons letters. 

Fri. Jan. 3 

1806 

Report made. 

Direction on back. 

Cahokia 24 Deer. 
The Honorable 

John Randolph, Esquire, 

Representative in Congress, 
Washington City. 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 65 

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTIONS OF 1807. 

(Am. State Papers. Misc. Vol. I, p. 467) 

9th Congress] 2d session 

Slavery in the Indiana Territory. 

Communicated to the Senate January 21, 1807. 

Resolved., unanimously, by the Legislative Council and 
House of Representatives of the Indiana Territory, That 
a suspension of the sixth article of compact between the 
United States, and the Territories and States northwest of 
the river Ohio, passed the 13th of July, 1787, for the term 
often years, would be highly advantageous to the said 
Territory, and meet the approbation of at least nine-tenths 
of the good citizens of the same. 

Resolved, unanimously. That the abstract question of 
liberty and slavery is not considered as involved in a sus- 
pension of the said article, inasmuch, as the number of 
slaves in the United States would not be augmented by 
the measure. 

Resolved, unanimously, that the suspension of the said 
article would be equally advantageous to the Territory, to 
the States from whence the negroes would be brought and 
to the negroes themselves. 

To the Territory because of its situation with regard to 
the other States, it must be settled by emigrants from those 
in which slavery is tolerated, or for many years remain in 
its present situation, its citizens deprived of the greater 
part of their political rights, and, indeed, of all those 
which distinguish the American from the citizens and sub- 
jects of other Governments. 

The States which are overburdened with negroes would 
be benefitted by their citizens having an opportunity of 
disposing of the negroes which they cannot comfortably 
support, or of removing with them to a country abounding 
with ail the necessaries of life ; and the negro himself 



66 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

would exchange a scanty pittance of the coarsest food for 
a plentiful and nourishing diet, and a situation which 
admits not the most distant prospect of emancipation, for 
one which presents no considerable obstacle to his wishes. 

Resolved, unanimously, That the citizens of this part of 
the former Northwestern Territory consider themselv^es as 
having claims upon the indulgence of Congress, in regard 
to a suspension of the said article, because at the time of 
the adoption of the ordinance of 1787 slavery was tolerated, 
and slaves generally possessed by the citizens then inhab- 
iting the country, amounting to at least one-half of the 
present population of Indiana, and because the said ordi- 
nance was passed in Congress when the said citizens were 
not represented in that body , without their being consulted, 
and without their knowledge and approbation. 

Resolved, unanimoush', That from the situation, soil, 
climate, and productions of the territory, it is not believed 
that the number of slaves would ever bear such propor- 
tion to the white population, as to endanger the internal 
peace and prosperity of the country. 

Resolved, unanimously, that copies of these resolutions 
be delivered to the Governor of this Territory, to be by 
him forwarded to the President of the Senate, and to tlie 
Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United 
States, with a request that they will la}' the same before 
the Senate and House of Representatives, over which they 
respectively preside. 

Resolved, unanimously, That a copy of these resolutions 
be delivered to the delegate to Congress from this Terri- 
tory, and that he be, and he hereby is, instructed to use 
his best endeavors to obtain a suspension of the said article. 
Jesse B. Thomas, Speaker of the 

House of Representatives. 
Pierre Menard, President fro tern 
of the Legislative Council. 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 67 

Sir : 

Agreeably to the request of the Legislative Council and 
House of Representatives of this Territory, I have the 
honor to enclose herewith certain resolutions by them 
adopted, and ask the favor of you to lay them before the 
Senate of the United States. 

I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, 
sir, your very humble servant, 

William Henry Harrison. 
The Hon. the Speaker of the Senate of the United States. 



House Report on the Preceding. 

(Am. State Papers. Misc. Vol. I, p. 477.) 

9th Congress] [2nd session 

Slavery in the Indiana Territory. 

Communicated to the House of Representatives on the 12th of Feb., 1807. 

Mr, Parke, from the committee to whom was referred the 
letter of William Henry Harrison, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, inclosing certain resolutions of the Legislative 
Council and House of Representatives of the said Territory, 
made the following report : 

That the resolutions of the Legislative Council and House 
of Representatives of the Indiana Territory, relate to a 
suspension, for the term often years, of the sixth article of 
compact between the United States and the Territories and 
States northwest of the river Ohio, passed the 13th of July, 
1787. That article declares : "There shall be neither slavery 
nor involuntary servitude in the said Territory." 

The suspension of the said article would operate an im- 
mediate and essential benefit to the Territory, as emigration 
to it will be inconsiderable for many years, except from 
those States where slavery is tolerated ; and although it is 
not considered expedient to force the population of the 



58 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

Territor3s yet it is desirable to connect its scattered settle- 
ments, and, in regard to political rights to place it on an 
equal footing with the different States. From the interior 
situation of the Territory, it is not believed that slaves would 
ever become so numerous as to endanger the internal peace 
or future prosperity of the country. The current of emi- 
gration flowing to the western country, the Territories ought 
all to be opened to their introduction. The abstract ques- 
tion of liberty and slavery is not involved in the proposed 
measure, as slavery now exists to a considerable extent in 
different parts of the Union ; it would not augment the num- 
ber of slaves, but merely authorize the removal to Indiana 
of such as are held in bondage in the United States. If 
slavery is an evil, means ought to be devised to render it 
least dangerous to the community, and by which the hap- 
less situation of the slaves would be ameliorated ; and to 
accomplish these objects, no measure would be so effectual 
as the one proposed. The committee, therefore, .respect- 
fully submit to the House the following resolution : 

/Resolved, That it is expedient to suspend, from and after 
the ist day of January, 1808, the sixth article of compact 
between the United States and the Territories and States 

northwest of the river Ohio, passed the 13th day of July, 

1787, for the term often years. 



Petition of Randolph and St. Clair Counties, 
February 20, 1807. 

(Copy of Original Paper. House Files.) 

To the Honorable the Sriiate and House of Rcfrescuiatives of the United 
States, the memorial of the nndersitrned, a committee for this purpose 
by the people of the Illinois Country, humbly S/ie-ueth : 

That at the last session of your Honorable body, your 
Memorialists presented a petition praying for the division 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 69 

of the Indiana Territory, and the erection of a colonial 
Government on the banks of the Mississippi. Your Memo- 
rialists will not repeat the reasons then urged in support 
of this request ; Since it would be merely the repetition of 
a tale of sufferings. 

Three circumstances have impelled your Memorialists 
again to appeal to the humanity of Congress — 

They are now happy to have it in their power to peti- 
tion for a Government, cheap, active and liberal — a Gov- 
ernment combining the principles of freedom and subordi- 
nation ; and which has received so strong a proof of the 
national approbation. Your memorialists refer to the pro- 
posed Government for the Michigan Territory — one prob- 
ably as free as the capacity of this country can support. 

Your memorialists have the more confidence in this 
request when they consider their increased population, 
which will be shown by the documents accompanying this 
memorial.* Is it presumption in the inhabitants of the 
western division, with a population of five thousand souls, 
and Separated from the Seat of their Government by an 
almost impassible wilderness of one hundred and eighty 
miles; to hope for an establishment so little expensive? 

But when your Memorialists contemplate the probable 
movements which may arise out of an European peace, 
now apparently about to take place, they cannot but feel 
the importance of union, of energy, of population on this 
shore of the Mississippi — they cannot but shudder at the 
horrors which may arise from a disaffection in the West: — 
and can it be much to the American people to grant to 
their brethren in this distant region a government to 
which, in an evil hour, they can speedily fl}^ for direction 
and support? 

Your Memorialists as in duty bound will ever pray, &c. 
George Atchison, Chairman. 

*NoTE — Not on file. 



70 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



J. Edgar, 

Ab'm Irnan, 

Ephraim Belderback, 

John Everitt, 

Perrey, 

Will Whiteside, 



James Lemen, 
William Scott, 
Moses Short, 
R. Robinson, 
Et'ne Pinsoneau, 
Raphael Drury. 

Indorsement. 



Petition of Sundry Inhabitants 
the Indiana Territory. 



of 



John Messinger, 
Solomon Stouck^-, 
John Whiteside, 
John Beaird; 
N. Jarrot, 



20th February, 1S07, 
Referred to Mr. Parke, 



Varnum, 

Alston, 

Kelly, 

Sanford, 

Jere Morrow and 

Philip R. Thompson 



26th February, 1807, 
Report made, considered and agreed 
to. 



Petition of Randolph County, February 20, 1807, 
Counter to the Preceding Petition. 

(Copy of Original Paper. House Files.) 

To the Honorable the Congress of the United States, the petition o_f 
sundry the Inhabitants of the county of Randolph, on the Mississippi, 
in the hidiaua Territory , Humbly Shezveth: 

That your petitioners have observed with sincere regrets 
the machinations of certain men in the Mississippi settle- 
ments to effect a division of the Indiana Territory. A 
sham convention has lately sat in the county, petitioning 
your honorable body to that purpose. The presumptions 
proceedings of this body turns the name convention into 
contempt and ridicule. It would seem from the assump- 
tions of these pretended conventionalists that they were the 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 71 

regularly elected Delegates of the respective Townships, 
to represent the two counties on the Mississippi in conven- 
tion. No election was holden in Mitchi Township, nor 
that of Priara du Rocher — in Kaskaskia there was a sham 
election of a few persons, it is believed the Deputies chosen 
comprised one half of those present & indeed of those who 
had any notice of it. But where the people were ignorant 
of the measure or refused a concurrence, these Gentlemen 
assumed whatever was necessary to make themselves at 
least the nominal Representatives of the respective Town- 
ships. So far as to the conduct of the Representatives or 
conventionalists. 

But the measure itself is viewed by your Petitioners as 
calculated to produce the most injurious effects. There is 
no reason to believe that your Honorable Body will grant 
the form of Government recommended by this Convention, 
& even were it conceded to the people, we conceive they 
would not be in so eligible a situation as they now are. 
The second grade of government has lately been adopted ; 
a Representative government has been secured to the 
country ; no taxes have yet been paid by the Mississippi 
settlements, & from the measures of the last session of the 
Legislature your petitioners have every reason to believe 
that a system of prudence and economy will be pursued 
by that body. As yet there has been no cause to com- 
plain. No reason presents itself to the minds of your 
petitioners which renders the project at least plausible. 
Your petitioners therefore pray that a Division of the Ter- 
ritory may not take place. 

Jas. Gilbreath, Henrj Connor, 

A. Lanawoer, Hipolite Menard. 

Ante X Lachapelle, Gabriel X Lafleur alias Gagent, 

Bapte X Gendron. Joseph X Chamberland, 

Bapte-GermainXChamberland, Jnr., Henry X Bienvenue, 

Joseph X Deregnay, Ante. X Casson a/ias Prevost, 

Charles X Dany, a/ias Boutine, Nicholas X Eneaux aiias Canada, 



72 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 



Fran. Bapte XCaloute, 

Louis GermainXChamberland, Senr 

Louis GermainXChamberland.Jnr., 

Louis X Buatte, 

Abel Dewej, 

Bapte. X Danis, Jr., 

Samuel Cochran. 

L. Lachapelle, 

Joseph X Lamare, 

Ante. X Labrierre, 

Bapte. Barbau 

Clement Drury. 

Antoine Blaj. 

G. Delochy, 

Benifeance Pana alias Godair, 

Ambrose Valeur, 

E. Carpenter, 

Francois X Tanqui, 

Francois X Tibeau, 

Jean Bapte X Godair, 

Etienne X Langlois. 

Auguste X Allard alias Parier, 

Jean Bapte X Perrin, 

Pierre X Godair a/ias Pana, 

Isidore X Godair aiitis Pana, 

Louis X Perio a/ias Verboncoeur, 

G. Decochy Ji is, 

Jean Bapte. X Duelos, 

Nicolas X Olivier alias Mahin, 

Robert Hays, 

Richard Hazel, 

Elijah Estes, 

Daniel Hazel, 

Jas. Ford, 

Jno. Harrison, 

Abijah Leavitt, 

\Vm. Boon, 

Robt. Patton, 

James Harrison, 

John Hughs, 

George Fisher, 

John Hague. 

J. Finne^', 

Charles McNahli, 



Joseph X Longreal, 
. Pierre Marassi, 
P^rancois Menard, 
Alexis Doza, 
Gerome Danis. Senr, 
Blaise Barute, 
Antoine Poere, 
Nicholas Buatte, 
Ante. Danis, Jn'or, 

Jean Bapte. Lagrandeur alias Guitaro, 
Louis Pillette alias Lasoude, 
Jph. Krey, 

Ante. Peltier alias Autoya, 
Pierre Le Conte, 
Andre Barbar, 
Louis Decochy, 
Jrm. Toiton, 
Charles X Blay, 
Joseph X Blay. 
Antoine X Cotinaux, 
Francois Langlois, 
Antoinne X Louvierre, 
Antoine X Blay, 
Charles X Tibaux, 
Joseph X Lavoie, Sen'r, 
Isidore Godair, Jun'r, 
Joseph Peltier, 

Wm. Alexander, 
Jesse Maner, 

Louis X Archambeau, 

Michel X Bienvenu, 

Diego X Rodrigue, 

Michel X Danis, jun'r, 
John Cochran, 

Chs. Brown, 

John Right, 

Win. Appellate, 

William Shaw, 

Johnston Cambel, 
' John Carson, 

Saml. Jaunaj', 

James Smith, 

Steton Bunch, 

llcnrv Kiefliart. 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 73 

Indorsement. 



Petition of 
sundry inhabitants of the county of 
Randolph, in the Indiana territory. 

20th February', 1S07. 
Referred to Mr. Parke, 

" Varnum, 

" Alston, 

'• Kelly, 

'• Sanford, 

" Jere Morrow and 

" P. R. Thompson. 



36th February, 1807. 

Report made, Considered 

and a2;reed to 



LEGISLATIVE PETITION OF 1807. 

(Am. State Papers. Misc. Vol. 1, p. 484.) 
In the Legislative Council and House of Representatives in the Indiana 
Territory: 

Great solicitude has been evinced by the citizens of this 
Territory on the subject of the introduction of slaves. In 
the year 1802 a special convention of delegates from the 
respective counties petitioned Congress for a suspension 
of the sixth article of compact, contained in the ordmance 
of 1787. In 1805 a majority of the members of the Legis- 
lative Council and House of Representatives remonstrated 
with Congress on the subject. In 1806 the Legislative 
Council and House of Representatives passed sundry res- 
olutions, which were laid before Congress, declaratory of 
their sense of the propriety of admitting slaves ; and, as 
the citizens of the Territory decidedly approve of the tol- 
eration of slavery, the Legislative Council and House of 
Representatives consider it incumbent on them briefly to 
state, on behalf of themselves and their constituents, the 



74 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

reasons which have influenced them in favor of the meas- 
ure. 

In the first place, candor induces us to premise that, in 
regard to the right of holding slaves, a variety in opinion 
exists ; whilst some consider it decent and just to acquire 
them either by purchase or conquest, others consider their 
possession, by either tenure, as a crime of the deepest 
stain ; that it is repugnant to every principle of natural jus- 
tice, of political rights, and to every sentiment of humani- 
ty. Without entering into the merits of this controversy, 
it need only be remarked, that the proposition to introduce 
slavery into the Territory is not embraced by them. It is 
not a question of liberty or slavery. Slavery now exists 
in the United States, and in this Territory. It was the 
crime of England and their misfortune ; and it now be- 
comes a question, merely of policy in what way the slaves 
are to be disposed of, that they may be least dangerous to 
the community, most useful to their proprietors, and by 
which their situation may be ameliorated. 

As the law of Congress, prohibiting the further importa- 
tion of slaves into the United States, takes effect the ist 
of January next, it is evident that the proposed toleration 
will not increase the number in the United States. 

It is believed (and has not experience verified the fact?) 
that such is the number of slaves in the Southern States, 
that the safety of individuals, as well as the political insti- 
tutions of those States, are exposed to no small hazard. 
However desirable it may be to emancipate them, it can 
never be done until they are dispersed ; it would be equally 
impolitic for the whites as for the slaves. The great cur- 
rent of emigration is constantly flowing from the Eastern 
and Southern States to the Western States and Territo- 
ries. The increase of population in the western country 
for the last twenty years may afford some idea of its prob- 
able amount in the course of the present century ; it must 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 75 

be immense ; and were all the territories opened to the in- 
troduction of slaves, a large proportion of them would 
naturally be drawn from the Southern States. 

From a reference to the States of Kentucky and Tennes- 
see at the time of the last United States census, it is not 
believed that the number of slaves would ever become so 
great as to endanger either the internal peace or future 
prosperity of the Territory. It is also rendered improbable 
from the interior situation of the Territory, its climate and 
productions. 

Slavery is tolerated in the Territories of Orleans, Mis- 
sissippi, and Louisiana ; why should this Territory be 
excepted. 

It is believed that slaves, possessed in small numbers by 
farmers, are better fed and better clothed than when they 
are crowded together in quarters by hundreds ; their situa- 
tion in Kentucky, Tennessee, and the back parts of Mary- 
land andVirginia verify this belief. 

Resolved, By the Legislative Council and House of Rep- 
resentatives of the Indiana Territory, That it is expedient 
to suspend for a given number of years the sixth article of 
compact, contained in the ordinance for the government of 
the Northwestern Territory, passed the 13th day of July, 
in the year 1787. 

Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing be forwarded to 
the Vice President of the United States, with a request that 
he will lay the same before the Senate ; and that a copy be 
forwarded to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
with a request that he will lay the same before the said 
House of Represetatives ; and that the Governor of this 
Territory be requested to forward the same, as aforesaid. 

Jesse B. Thomas, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
Samuel, Gwathemy, 
President pro tem. of the Legislative Council. 

Passed the Legislative Council, September 19, 1807. 

Attest; H. Hurst, Chief Clerk. 



^6 SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

Counter Petition of Clark County. 

(Accompanying the above.) 

At a numerous meeting of the citizens of Clark county 
in Springville, (agreeably to notice previously given,) on 
Saturday, the loth day of October, 1807, for the purpose 
of taking into consideration the resolutions passed at the 
last session of the Legislature of the Indiana Territory, 
praying the Congress of the United States to suspend for 
a certain time the sixth article of compact, contained in 
the ordinance, Mr. John Beggs was chosen chairman, and 
Davis Floyd, secretary. On motion, 

Ordered, That a committee of five suitable persons be 
appointed to draught and report to this meeting, a memo- 
rial to Congress, in opposition to the resolutions of the 
Legislature of the Indiana Territory on the subject of slav- 
ery in this Territory, by the suspension of the sixth article 
of compact contained in the ordinance. 

And the said committee was appointed of Messrs. Abra- 
ham Little, John Owens, Charles Beggs, Robert Robert- 
son, and James Beggs. 

Mr. Little from the aforesaid committee, reported a 
memorial, pursuant to the aforesaid order, in the words 
and figures following, viz : 

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in 
Congress assembled : 

The memorial of the citizens of Clark county, humbly 
showeth that great anxiety has been, and still is, evinced by 
some of the citizens of this Territory, on the subject of the 
introduction of slavery into the same ; but in no case has 
the voice of the citizens been unanimous. In the year 
1802, at a special convention of delegates from the respec- 
tive counties, a petition was forwarded to Congress to re- 
peal the sixth article of compact contained in the ordinance ; 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. >j>j 

but the representation of all that part of the Territory- 
east of Vincennes were present, and were decidedly op- 
posed to that part of the petition. 

In the year 1805, the subject was again taken up and 
discussed in the General Assembly, and a majority of the 
House of Representatives voted against said memorial on 
the aforesaid subject, and, consequently the memorial was 
rejected, as the journals of that house doth sufficiently 
evince ; but a number of citizens thought proper to sign 
the same, and, amongst the rest, the Speaker of the House 
of Representatives and the President of the Council, 
(though the President of the Council denies ever having 
signed the same ; ) and, by some legislative legerdemain 
it found its way into the Congress of the United States, as 
the legislative act of the Territory. In the present year 
of 1807, the subject was again taken up by the Legislature 
of this Territory, and a majority of both Houses passed 
certain resolutions (in the proportion of two to one) for 
the purpose of suspending the sixth article of compact con- 
tained in the ordinance, which we presume are before your 
honorable body. But let it be understood that in the Leg- 
islative Council there were only three members present, 
who, for certain reasons, positively refused to sign the said 
resolutions ; and they were reduced to the last subterfuge 
of prevailing on the president to leave his seat, and one of 
the other members to take it as president pro tern., for the 
purpose of signing the said resolutions. Whether this be 
right or wrong, judge ye. And although it is contended 
by some, that, at this day, there is a great majority in 
favor of slavery, whilst the opposite opinion is held by 
others, the fact is certainly doubtful. But when we take 
into consideration the vast emigration into this Territory, 
and of citizens too, decidedly opposed to the measure, we 
feel satisfied that, at all events. Congress will suspend any 
legislative act on this subject, until we shall, by the con- 



78 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

stitution, be admitted into the Union, and have a right to 
adopt such a constitution, in this respect, as may comport 
with the wishes of the majority of the citizens. 

As to the propriety of holding those in slavery whom it 
hath pleased the Divine Creator to create free, seems to 
us to be repugnant to the inestimable principles of a re- 
publican Government. Although some of the States have, 
and do hold slaves, yet it seems to be the general opinion, 
even in those States, that they are an evil from which they 
cannot extricate themselves. As to the interest of the 
Territory, a variety of opinions exist ; but suffer 3^our me- 
morialists to state that it is a fact that a great number of 
citizens, in various parts of the United States, are prepar- 
ing and many have actually emigrated to this Territory, 
to get free from a government which does tolerate 
slavery. The toleration of slavery is either right or 
wrong ; and if Congress should think, with us, that it is 
wrong, that it is inconsistent with the principles upon 
which our future constitution is to be formed, your memo- 
rialists will rest satisfied that at least this subject will not 
be by them taken up until the constitutional number of the 
citizens of this Territory shall assume that right. It is 
considered useless for your memorialists to recapitulate 
the many reasons and objections which might be ad- 
vanced, relying that this subject is fully and fairh' under- 
stood by your honorable body as it relates to the natural 
right, policy and prosperity of a free and independent 
nation. On motion, 

Resolved, That the chairman be requested to forward 
duplicate copies of these proceedings, (-signed by the said 
chairman, and countersigned by the secretary,) one to the 
Vice President of the United States or President of the 
Senate fro tern., and one to the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives in the Congress of the United States. 
By order of the meeting, 

John Beggs, Chairman. 

Attest: Davis Floyd, Secretary. 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. >jg 

Report on the Preceding. 

(Am. State Papers. Misc., Vol. i, p. 484.) 

loth Congress] [ist session 

Slavery in the Indiana Territory. 

Communicated to the Senate, November IS, 1807. 

Mr. Franklin, from the committee to whom was referred 
the representation and resolution of the Legislative Coun- 
cil and House of Representatives of the Indiana Territor}-, 
bearing date the 13th of July, 1807 ; and, also, the remon- 
strance of the citizens of Clark county, of the Territory 
aforesaid, reported : 

The Legislative Council and House of Representatives, 
in their resolutions, express their sense of the propriety of 
introducing slavery into their Territory, and solicit the 
Congress of the United States to suspend, for a given num- 
ber of years, the sixth article of compact, in the ordinance 
for the government of the Territory, northwest of the river 
Ohio, passed the 13th day of July, 1787. That article de- 
clares : "There shall be neither slavery nor involuntarv 
servitude in the said Territory." 

The citizens of Clark county, in their remonstrance, ex- 
press their sense of the impropriety of the measure, and 
solicit the Congress of the United States not to act on the 
subject so as to permit the introduction of slaves into the 
Territory ; at least until their population shall entitle them 
to form a constitution and State Government. 

Your committee, after duly considering the matter, re- 
spectfully submit the following resolution : 

Resolved, That it is not expedient at this time to suspend 
the sixth article of compact, for the government of the Ter- 
ritory of the United States northwest of the river Ohio. 



8o SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

THE REPORT OF GENERAL W. JOHNSTON, 

Chairman of the Committee to which the Petitions 
ON the Slavery Question had been Referred. 

(Vincennes Sun, December 17, 180S.) 

"After a struggle of seven years the inhabitants of this 
portion of the British Empire in America found themselves 
in possession of independence as a nation and in this in- 
stitution they adopted they secured the enjoyment of a 
degree of personal liberty utterly unknown to any other 
government ; but an unfortunate circumstance darkened 
the cheering prospect. In every state, but especially in 
the Southern section of the Union, an oppressed race of 
man supplied by a most inhuman trade, portended the 
most serious evils to the American nation. Sensible that 
slaver}^ 'in a country where liberty was deservedly so 
dear and had been purchased at so high a price, presented 
a feature of deformity not to be justified, every state 
hastened to put an end to the horrid traffic ; those states 
which could do it without danger abolished slavery alto- 
gether ; and those which from the great number of their 
negroes could not with a due regard to their safety follow 
at once the dictates of justice and humanity, enacted laws 
for the protection of that unfortunate class of men and 
their gradual emancipation. When the North Western 
Territory was ceded by Virginia to the United States, 
Congress obeyed the impulse of justice and benevolence, 
endeavored to prevent the propagation of an evil which 
they could not totally eradicate, by enacting in the ordi- 
nance which forms our constitution that there shall be 
neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in the Territory, 
otherwise than etc. 

The law of the Territory entitled an act concerning the 
introduction of negroes and mulattoes into the Territory, 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 8 1 

makes it lawful for an holder of slaves to bring them into 
the Territory and to keep them therein during sixty days, 
during which period the negroe is offered the alternative of 
either signing an indenture by which he binds himself for 
a number of years, or of being sent to a slave state or Ter- 
ritory there to be sold. The natural inference from this 
statement forces itself upon the mind that the slave thus 
circumstanced is held in involuntary servitude, and that 
the law permitting such proceedings is contrary both to 
the spirit and letter of the ordinance and that therefore it 
is unconstitutional — your committee might add that the 
most flagitous abuse is made of that law ; that negroes 
brought here are commonly forced to bind themselves for 
a number of years reaching or extending the natural term 
of their lives, so that the condition of those unfortunate 
persons is not only involuntary servitude but downright 
slavery — it is perhaps unnecessary to advert to the novel 
circumstances of a person under extreme duress of a slave 
becoming a party to a contract, parting with himself and 
receiving nothing. 

I. That slavery though in itself unjust might neverthe- 
less be tolerated from reasons of expediency is a point 
which your committee do not feel themselves at liberty to 
concede. They are firmly fixed in the persuasion that 
what is morally wrong can never by expediency be made 

right such a pliable doctrine if generally admitted would 

soon line our highways with banditti, our streets with foot 
pads, and fill our exchange alleys with swindlers; but 
policy itself forbids the measure. With respect to popu- 
lation, the great and more compact population of the 
Middle and Eastern States, compared to that of the South- 
ern states, justifies the expectation that emigration will 
proceed more from the first than the last. This observa- 
tion will be rendered conclusive by this fact, that the State 
of Virginia, older and larger than Pennsylvania, contains 



■82 SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAVERH. 

a body of militia of sixty odd thousand men, while Penn- 
sylvania actually musters ninety odd thousand men. 

2. With respect to the spirit of enterprise and internal 
improvements, your committee cannot trespass upon the 
time of the House by entering minutely into the elucida- 
tion of this important subject, on which very erroneous 
opinions have been entertained. They will only observe 
that a general view of the different states of the Union, 
and of their respective means of prosperity and importance 
will soon convince the impartial enquirer that the hand of 
freedom can best lay the foundation to raise the fabric of 
public prosperity. The old states north of Maryland, 
without one single precious commodit}', exporting nothing 
but bulk}' articles, present every where the spectacle of 
industry and animation. The stvle of their agriculture is 
superior; their mills, bridges, roads, canals, their manu- 
factures, are in point of number without a parallel in the 
Southern states, and they, besides other parts of the world, 
export to those states manufactured commodities to a large 
amount annual!}'. On the subject of public improvements 
we will beg leave to refer the House to a document laid 
before Congress on the subject of roads and canals. The 
state of Ohio furnishes us with a case in point which aptlv 
illustrates the two foregoing observations. In the short 
space of a few years our eyes witness growing into im- 
portance, where but a little while before Indian hordes and 
savage beasts roamed without control, farms, villages, 
towns, multiplying with a rapidity unprecedented in the 
history of new settlements ; the same cause will produce 
the same effects. The exertions of the free man who la- 
bors for himself and family must be more effectual than 
the faint efforts of a meek and dispirited slave whose con- 
dition is never to be bettered by his incessant toils. The 
industrious will flock where industry is honorable and 
honored, and the man of an independent spirit where 



SLA VER Y PE TIT ION ^ . 1 ND PA PERS. 83 

equity [equality?] reigns, and where no proud nabob can 
cast on him a look of contempt. 

3d. With respect to the influence which the practice of 
slavery may have upon morals and manners ; when men 
are invested with an uncontrolled power over a number of 
friendless human beings held to incessant labor; when 
they can daily see the whip hurrying promiscuously the 
young, the aged, the infirm, the pregnant w^oman, and the 
mother with her suckling infant to their daily toil ; when 
they can see them unmoved shivering with cold and 
pinched with hunger; when they can barter a human be- 
ing with the same unfeeling indifference that they barter a 
horse ; part the wife from her husband, and unmindful of 
their mutual cries tear the child from its mother ; when 
they can in the unbridled gust of stormy passions inflict 
cruel punishments which no law can avert or mitigate ; 
when such things can take place, can it be expected that 
the milk of human kindness will ever moisten the eyes o 
men in the daily practice of such enormities, and that they 
will respect the moral obligations or the laws of justice 
which they are constantly outraging with the wretched 
negro. Their passions, never controlled, will break out 
in frequent quarrels, which will be decided with savage 
cruelty, and their manners will receive a tinge of repelling 
fierceness, which will be too often discernible where a 
proper education has not softened and expanded the heart 
and corrected the understanding. At the very moment 
that the progress of reason and general benevolence is 
consigning slavery to its merited destination, that England, 
sordid England, is blushing at the practice, that all good 
men of the Southern states repeat in one common response 
' / tremble for fny country whe^i I reflect that God is just, 
must the Territory of Indiana take a retrograde step into 
barbarism and assimilate itself with Algiers and Morocco? 
4th. With respect to its political eflfects, it maybe worthy 



Sa SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

of enquiry how long the political institutions of a people 
admitting slavery may be expected to remain uninjured, 
how proper a school for the acquirement of republican vir- 
tues is a state of things wherein usurpation is sanctioned by 
law, wherein the commands of justice are trampled under 
foot, wherein those claiming the right of free men are them- 
selves the most execrable of tyrants, and where is conse- 
crated the dangerous maxim " that power is right." Your 
committee will here only observe that the habit of unlimited 
dominion in the slave-holder will beget in him a spirit of 
haughtiness and pride productive of a proportional habit of 
servility and despondence in those who possess no negroes, 
both equally inimical to our institutions. The lord of three 
or four hundred negroes will not easily forgive, and the 
mechanic and laboring man will seldom venture a vote 
contrary to the will of such an influential being. This 
question your committee have hitherto only considered in 
relation to the internal prosperity and happiness of the Ter- 
ritory, they cannot yet dismiss the subject without offering 
to this House two observations tending to provethat in re- 
lation to the United States the admission of slavery into 
this Territory is a measure which neither justice nor policy 
can justify. The negro holders can emigrate with their 
slaves into the extensive Mississippi Territory, the Terri- 
tory of New Orleans, and the more extensive Louisiana. 
By opening to them the Territory of Indiana, a kind of 
monopoly of the United States land is granted to them, and 
the Middle and Eastern States as well as enemies of slavery 
from the South are effectually precluded from forming 
settlements in any of the Territories of the United States. 
Your committee respectfully conceive that the National 
Legislature can not with justice make such an unequal 
distribution (if they may be allowed the expression) of the 
lands with the disposal of which they are entrusted for the 



SLA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 8$ 

benefit of all, but especially of those states whose overflow- 
ing population renders emigration necessary. 

If we take a general survey of the geographical extent 
of the United States, we'll see with concern the system of 
slavery extending from the line of Pennsylvania and the 
Ohio river to the Floridas, and from the Atlantic to the 
Mississippi. By the purchase of Louisiana where it was 
found existing, it may spread to our indefinite extent North 
and West, so that it may be said to have received a most 
alarming extension and is calculated to excite the most 
serious fears. By admitting it to Indiana, that is to say 
opening to it the vast tract of country 13'ing between the 
state of Ohio, the river of that name, the Lakes, and the 
Mississippi, the comparative importance of the Middle and 
Eastern states, the real strength of the Union, is greatly 
reduced, and the dangers threatening the internal tran- 
quility of the United States proportionably increased. 

From the above reasons, and many others which might 
be adduced, your committee are of opinion that slavery 
cannot and ought not to be admitted into this Territory ; 
that it is inexpedient to petition Congress for a modifica- 
tion of that part of the ordinance relative to slavery ; and 
that the act of the Legislature of Indiana for the introduc- 
tion of negroes and mulattoes into the said Territory ought 
to be repealed, for which purpose they have herewith re- 
ported a bill. 

Your committee are further of opinion that a copy of 
this report and a copy of one of the petitions upon which 
the same is predicated be immediately made out, signed 
by the Speaker of this House and attested by the Clerk, 
and forwarded by the ensuing mail to the Speaker of the 
House of Representatives of the United States, with a re- 
quest that he will lay the same before Congress." 

Geni.. W. Johnston. 

Chairman of Committee." 



86 ^LA VERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 

OPINION OF JOHN JOHNSON, IN POLLY'S CASE. 

In 1779 or 80 a negro woman was taken prisoner by the 
Indians, of tiie age of 15. She was sold to Isaac Will- 
iams, at Detroit and sold by said Williams to Antoine 
Lasselle. While the said woman was in the possession of 
Lasselle she had three children, two of whom I. B. La- 
plant purchased. Question are those children slaves? 

As to the first point, the woman was taken by the In- 
dians as allies of England while they were in a state of 
warfare with the state of Virginia and the other states of 
the United States. As such she must be considered as a 
lawful prize, at least so much so that the conqueror had 
a right by virtue of his power to dispose of her life or per- 
son as he might think proper. This position is strength- 
ened because of her being held as a species of property 
by her owner before and at the time she was taken. 
Secondly Detroit and what was formerly called the North 
Western Territory in the years 1779 & 80 (nay untill 
1783) was an integral part of the state of Virginia and gov- 
erned by the same laws. By a law of the Colony of Vir- 
ginia passed in the year 1705 negroes reduced to posses- 
sion are considered as slaves. This law still continues in 
force with some small variation with regard to the manner 
of transferring that property. Thus the said woman could 
be held as a slave either by virtue of conquest or by virtue 
of the laws of Virginia. 

In 1783 Virginia ceded the North Western Territory in- 
cluding Detroit to the United States. By the articles of 
cession and by the Ordinance for the Government of this 
Territory the rights and privileges and also the property 
of the inhabitants are guarranteed to them. Hence the said 
negro woman being taken and considered as a species of 
property prior to the adoption of the Ordinance for the Gov- 
ernment of the said Territory the 6th article thereof which 



SLAVERY PETITIONS AND PAPERS. 87 

prohibits involuntary servitude can not afFect her condition 
or the rights of her master. Thirdly the children follow 
the condition of the mother and not of the father. This 
point is as well defined by law as any other whatever and 
the reason of it is this. The Slave being considered as the 
absolute property of the master for life he has a right to 
all the undivided emoluments arising from such slave and 
the increase of such female slave being part of the benefit 
arising from such kind of property as much so as her labor. 
From the foregoing premises I am decidedly of opinion 
that the children of the Negro Woman alluded to are 
slaves. Jno. Johnson. 

Indorsement. 

Opinion Johohn Jonson Avocast 
povir pol6s negr^sse. 



